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Will play for books

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Growing up surrounded by the sound of his father’s band, it’s no wonder that at the young age of 11, Isaac Garza Jr. chose to learn the guitar.

“I listened to my dad and how he played flamenco style and I wanted to play it” Isaac said.

Now 13, Isaac has shown his music instructor and his father that he has a lot of potential as a guitarist — and a philanthropist.

Isaac, an eighth-grader at Freedom Middle School, performed a mini concert Nov. 15 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers that combined his love of the guitar with a charitable effort.

Because of state funding cuts, the libraries in the Rosedale Union School District have not been able to purchase new books or repair existing ones. So the idea of a student show at Barnes & Noble came about.

Anything purchased in the store during the performances — including books, CDs, DVDs and items from the store’s cafe — earned the Rosedale Union School District a percentage of the proceeds.

“It is important for us to help because the schools need money right now and we need new books,” said Isaac, who added that he was more than happy to help out his school library.

Linda Middleton, the librarian at Freedom Middle School, confirmed the need for financial assistance.

“Due to the state budget, our library funds were cut and we could use the money on new books, replacing worn books, and repairing supplies,” she said.

Isaac auditioned for the spot to perform at Barnes & Noble. A handful of other students also performed.

Isaac Garza Sr., a musician himself, proudly watched his son perform for such a good cause.

“It’s part of growing up, part of being a productive member of the community that he lives in,” Garza said. “The community gives a lot to us and any little part that he can contribute I think is important.”

For Isaac, the chance to play for an audience was a great opportunity personally as well. He hopes to perform for even more people in the future.

“I like performing because it makes me happy and makes me want to practice more,” he said.