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Go-Go band seeks new equipment
5th of April 2011
“We’re a group of youth from all over the city, and have a passion for Go-Go. We are trying to give youth a positive outlook and are just trying to make a change in the community. We promote peace.” — 18 year old Bijan Gray, lead singer of the SBY Go-Go Band, F.A.M.E.
Forgiving All My Enemies (F.A.M.E.) was started two years ago by a group of youth leaders who wanted to ensure that young people in our programs have meaningful after-school activities. The band has practiced two to three times a week since, and performs at many local community events.
Dan Davis, the staff member advising the band says, “It is mostly self-governing…It allows us to retain youth in our programming even after they have exited one of our group homes. The band keeps them committed to their goals in life and allows them to be involved in a native Washington tradition.”
The band is not only about giving underprivileged youth the opportunity to learn about music, it also provides life lessons. The time spent at SBY’s facility practicing (about 6-8 hours each week) is time that the band spends in a safe place, surrounded by positive role models and counselors. This time also allows counselors to teach positive communication and life skills outside of a formal setting.
All of the band’s equipment is second-hand and donated. While we have been very grateful for any and all instrument and equipment donations, we can no longer continue using what we have due to general wear and tear. Needed new equipment includes instruments/instrument parts, amplifiers, speakers, promotional materials, and padding to sound-proof the band’s practice room.
F.A.M.E. has taken responsibility to raise money for replacement equipment and instruments. They have distributed hand-made fliers around the Capitol Hill neighborhood and placed advertisements on the SBY Facebook page.
New equipment for our youth Go-Go band is paramount to its continuation. Bijan Gray says, “It’s a different kind of coping mechanism, to bang on the drums, yell on the mic or stroke the guitar instead of smoking cigarettes, weed or drinking alcohol. I play drums almost every day to help release energy […] We’re trying to get as many youth involved in our events as possible. We just like the way Go-Go sounds.”
Please click here to see members of the renowned Go-Go “Backyard Band” discuss SBY’s Youth Go-Go Band.
Help the Band purchase new equipment and instruments by clicking here. Make sure to list “Go-Go Band” in the dedication field.