Waukegan schools seeking donated guitars:

Waukegan Unit District 60 is asking for donations of acoustic guitars to help students at three elementary schools trying to start new mariachi bands. In recent weeks, Carman-Buckner, Clark, and McCall elementary schools have all started mariachi bands. They were made possible thanks to donations from Bravo Waukegan, which donated vihuelas (a small, higher-pitched guitar) and guitarrons (an acoustic bass) to the schools. Cooke Magnet started a mariachi band last year. The bands lack enough acoustic guitars. The music programs are asking for donation of acoustic guitars, a mariachi mainstay, to help students with the new before-school endeavor. Acoustic guitars in any condition are being accepted, and donations are tax deductible. Anyone interested in donating can contact Sheila Crotty-Kagan, enrichment coordinator for District 60 at (224) 303-1057.