SMART: Josafat, SMART's goal is to bring creativity and innovation to children through music. Has this been your personal experience?
Josafat: It has definitely been my experience. The people at Smart, especially Chris Clark, are very enthused when I was first hired. He supports SMART's goal and follows through it.
SMART: How has teaching these classes benefited you personally?
Josafat: It has showed me that Kids are willing to learn. It has taught me how to approach kids who have different learning styles or attention spans. Whether it’s a child who's skills vary from each other, every kid has some sort of talent. What is most satisfying is learning that kids just want to have fun and music is a great supplement to that.
SMART: What instruments do you play?
Josafat: Classical guitar is my main instrument, but I also sing and play piano. As an education major, it is required to learn various instruments in categories of brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings.SMART: What has been your experience playing music and involved in the arts?
Josafat: Honestly, I was not involved in music at all when I was a kid. I'm assuming I was never interested in music, although I did show signs of talent when I played the piano. It was not until sophomore year in High School when I picked up the guitar and learned with one of the congregants from my Church. Until I got came to Vanguard, they molded my skills and it has become a passion of mine.
SMART: What made you get involved with the kids at BGC?
Josafat: I wanted to gain more experience in teaching kids music. It's not easy teaching kids because they are literally a seed that needs care and proper management. The children at BGC are fantastic and are so much fun.SMART: What changes do you see taking place in these kids?
Josafat: There is no doubt that Music changes kids mentality toward life. Music is an art form that helps express the human soul. There are kids who have talent in music and there are others who enjoy it. I see some kids taking the guitar further and some respecting guitar and music in general. My goal is to have these kids understand the aspect of music and the nature of the guitar. Music indeed creates discipline and appreciation of the arts. I see that happening with these enthusiastic kids.
SMART: Is there experience of playing guitar very significant in their lives?
Josafat: Each kid has different tastes in instruments and genre in music. Some kids may prefer another instruments tone or production and dynamics. The point of this guitar class is to inform them about music. There is no doubt that music will be significant in their lives because it shows a kid patience, discipline, and appreciation. Allowing them to use those traits in daily life situations.
SMART: Were you ever in a program like this as a kid?
Josafat: I never was, but programs like these are fantastic because later in life, I can see these kids giving back to the community and it’s a beautiful cycle that unfolds.SMART: What would you like to communicate to our donors that help make this program possible?
Josafat: The kids at the Boys and Girls club are enjoying their time with the guitar class. Not only are they learning guitar, but the aspect of working together to produce music. The goal of the program is to allow these kids to play together as an ensemble and it is important for them to have these beginning classes to mold and enhance their talents. It creates leaders within the group and shows their character and determination. Additionally, programs like these offer the opportunity for a kid to take music even further, receive scholarships through talent and eventually study at a University.
SMART: Are more opportunities like needed here in OC?
Josafat: Yes! There are a lot of kids who have talent, but do not have the opportunity to acknowledge it or understand their talents. Personally, I wish I started learning music at a younger age rather than my teenage years. It is important to find those kids who do not have the money to afford an instrument or attend a private music class and become involved in programs like the SMART foundation.
Join our Work
The SMART Foundation is grateful for the love, patience, faithfulness and love the Josafat shows the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana. This class takes place weekly. These students enjoy learning guitar because of the generous gifts of supporters. Thank you for your support! Is this effort one you would also like to support? A financial gift can be made here.Quotes
· Music changes kids mentality toward life. Music is an art form that helps express the human soul.
· Music indeed creates discipline and appreciation of the arts. I see that happening with these enthusiastic kids.
· The point of this guitar class is to inform them about music. There is no doubt that music will be significant in their lives because it shows a kid patience, discipline, and appreciation. This opportunity will allow them to use these traits in daily life situations.
· The kids at the Boys and Girls club are enjoying their time with the guitar class. Not only are they learning guitar, but the aspect of working together to produce music.
· The goal of the program is to allow these kids to play together as an ensemble and it is important for them to have these beginning classes to mold and enhance their talents. It creates leaders within the group and shows their character and determination.
· Programs like these offer the opportunity for a kid to take music even further, receive scholarships through talent and eventually study at a University.
· It is important to find those kids who do not have the money to afford an instrument or attend a private music class and become involved in programs like the SMART foundation.
