Guitarist Bud Preston receives volunteer award

Bud Preston, who is a local guitarist and instructor, has shared his time, expertise and resources with Claggett Middle School students for the past two years.

"He comes to my classroom twice weekly (at 7:45 a.m. nonetheless!) To help beginning guitar students succeed, as well as make repairs on all guitars in ‘need’ and to replace the countless broken strings," said vocal/general music teacher Nancy Wojciak.

Wojciak nominated Preston for the districtwide award.

Preston recently installed a slat wall to properly store and display guitars already in the school inventory. He also purchased two new guitars, countless sets of strings and other accessories in support of the program.

 

  Preston founded the "Lookieme" program, which provides guitars to students that might be financially disadvantaged, emotionally troubled or might not otherwise have the opportunity of a musical experience

"He raises money for guitars, materials and instruction to help these students as music has helped him in his adolescent years," Wojciak said. "He inspires by example."

Wojiack explained that 170 students rotate through Claggett’s sixth grade guitar exploratory. She also offers level 2 guitar in the seventh grade general music classes.

The Special Volunteer Award is sponsored by the Medina City Schools Partnership Council and honors persons who contribute to the education in Medina City Schools by volunteering their time and talents.

Reprinted from the April 20th 2007 issue of the Medina County Gazzette