Local musician, Harold Kennedy, has been volunteering his time each Wednesday afternoon at Santa Maria Community Services’ Joe Williams Family Center in Lower Price Hill to teach youth guitar. Harold began his music career at the age of 13, playing the banjo with bluegrass groups in the Mississippi/Alabama area. As his career progressed, he toured as lead guitarist for an RCA country artist based in Nashville, Tennessee, and relocated to Music City where he established himself as a studio and road musician. During this time, Harold began what he now refers to as his” family tradition” gigs, or artists with famous family members such as Hank Williams III, Noel Haggard, and Montgomery Gentry. Harold got involved with Santa Maria because his wife’s mother was a donor to the organization. Eventually, Harold got in contact with the Family Center’s Youth Development Coordinator, Jim Holmstrom, to discuss possible guitar lessons at the Center. As of now, Harold teaches four students at the Center. During lessons, he gets to share his talent and walk the youth through different chords and songs. He also uses this time to encourage natural talents such as singing. Not only do the youth get to partake in lessons, but they recently held a mini-concert at the Family Center for friends, family, and community residents to enjoy. Harold’s time and dedication encourages creativity in Lower Price Hill youth, while boosting their self-esteem. Harold uses his talent to give youth something to look forward to and to make a difference in their lives.
