Girls Rock SB Spring Soirée
On a private beach front property off Padaro Lane, Girls Rock Santa Barbara celebrated another year of empowering young girls through music, creative expression, and performance at their spring seaside soirée. Guests gathered on a sun-glazed patio under the warm light of an early sunset, welcomed by a host of volunteers, program participants, as well as Girls Rock team members and board members.
Attendees mingled and enjoyed refreshments while watching performances from a number of young and talented Girls Rock performers. Professional musicians, parents, donors, and other movers and shakers in our community came out to celebrate and garner support for continued programming.
As many who are familiar with the local nonprofit may know, Santa Barbara is home to the largest Girls Rock program in the world. Since 2012, the organization has been teaching music education and performance skills to young girls through a series of programs and summer camps. While all participants grow their skills and musical proficiency, its leaders assert that the number-one skill they teach is self-esteem building.
As board president Kerri Murray said, “The program teaches girls to be brave, not perfect.” This mission is founded upon the belief that building confidence and nurturing self-esteem is one of the most beneficial life skills from which girls can benefit. Indeed, studies have shown that a heart breaking 70 percent of girls today simply do not feel “good enough.” But through community building, opportunities for creative expression, and music education, Girls Rock SB is one organization working to move the needle. The group also works diligently to be inclusive, even as they grow, making sure that no one is left out due to financial difficulty. They report that historically, more than 50 percent of girls receive some level of financial aid to ensure that this commitment is kept.
Amidst a stunning seaside view while listening to these young and brave performers sing their hearts out, it was easy to be reminded that music is a force that unites us all and can transcend many of our differences. Music has always been a way for humans to express what may be otherwise inexpressible.