While some folks staying in exile at their homes during this time of emergency are gorging themselves on Hot Pockets and catching up on episodes of Big Bang Theory, Boston-area high school junior Pablo Diaz has set his sights quite a bit higher. The guitarist has created a non-profit music competition with over $2500 in prizes, giveaways, and scholarship offers geared towards students currently playing the guitar and those interested in learning to play.
Diaz said, "Based on my own love of playing guitar and the craziness of the times, I wanted to do something special for the music community and other teens like me who were suddenly out of school and out of their sports and music programs." He created his "Shred The Virus" competition, sponsored by music retailer Sweetwater; Guitars Over Guns, a national non-profit for at-risk youth; School of Rock; and music instructors from Miami to Seattle.
"The response has been phenomenal and the stories of how kids are dealing with the crisis are incredible,"Diaz added. His love of playing, as well as the designing and building of guitars, has resulted in a mecca for budding talents. Check out www.shredthevirus.com to find access to a friendly competition and also a giveaway with guitar set-up upgrades and starter kits as prizes. The website and the competition are in English and Spanish and Diaz promises to personally acknowledge every student who submits an entry. Great job Pablo! Keep on shedding!