Capital Region Cares Capital Region Cares 2017-2018 | Page 31

Alex Bonilla, 15, strums his six-string guitar at his home in Sacramento. Bonilla is one of the youngest members of
the Sacramento Guitar Society Orchestra.
Bonilla mentioned the Society’s
nonprofit work — such as helping
fellow students who lack access to
instruments — as the rationale be-
hind his fundraising performances.
To date, Bonilla estimates he’s raised
around $2,000. And Bonilla says the
orchestra’s impact is even greater.
“To the community in general, I
think it brings not just a sense of home,
but it also brings music, and that’s
something that a lot of places don’t have
the advantage of having,” Bonilla says.
“It’s just a really great thing to have.”
The orchestra also acted as a per-
sonal catalyst: Before he was a mem-
ber, Bonilla lacked familiarity with
performing. But now, Bonilla — who
also performs in guitar competitions
and volunteers at the Sacramento Pre-
paratory Music Academy as a teacher
— credits the orchestra, and its “open
stage” shows, with providing a setting
where he could perform in a situation
devoid of stress, while also receiving
feedback that has helped him become
more adept at the instrument. The
orchestra’s open stage shows happen
directly after rehearsals, if there’s no
guest performer scheduled.
“It’s really nice for me to see these
players, to see them grow, you know,
as a result of their work with the or-
chestra,” O’Connor says. “And to see
them have a chance to connect musi-
cally with the community and to even
just be able to show off a little bit for
some of their family that they invite
to the concert, that’s a real rewarding
feeling.” And that feeling is in harmo-
ny with Bonilla’s gratitude, as well.
“I’m just really happy that they were
willing to welcome me right in despite
my age, that’s a really great thing for
me,” Bonilla says. “I really appreciate
it from them.” n
Willie Clark is a writer, editor,
photographer and co-host of the 8 Bit
Awesome gaming podcast. On Twitter
@_WillieClark or willieclark.contently.
com.
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