While the California band Nude is busy pushing their new album, Fearless Generation, they never forget that without the inspiration of someone when they were young, they never would have dedicated their lives to what they love, making music.

That’s why members of the three man band (Tony Karlsson, Bobby Amaro, and Dave Mattera) volunteer at Washington Middle School, along with community centers and other schools in La Habra, California, teaching students to play music.

The band speaks at a school about the importance of music education programs

The issue in La Habra, like many other communities across the country, is a lack of funding for music education classes and supplies. The band teaches for free on their own instruments because, although the school has some acoustic guitars, most don’t have strings. There are virtually no extra picks or accessories for the kids to use.

Now, in addition to teaching, Tony, Bobby, and Dave have taken on the added challenge of raising funds for the gear these kids need to learn their instruments. For example, the band recently played a show at a bowling alley, and much of the money taken in at the door will be used to buy guitar strings. They are also working with a local music store to match their donation.

Drummer Bobby Amaro watches over a "drum-off"

They’re making such a difference that they’ve gotten the attention of the Chamber of Commerce for the city of La Habra and Orange County, plus a few local politicians. They are now working together to get more music education programs started up at other area schools.

This is an incredibly inspiring story, which is why we are excited to team up with Nude as this week’s Pick Education partner. Through midnight on May 27th, for each guitar pick sold in the GearPipe Shop, we will donate one pick to the kids of Washington Middle School and La Habra.

If you’re new to GearPipe, here are a few suggestions:

• GearPipe Classic Guitar Picks are available by the dozen, in thin, medium, and heavy thicknesses. Buy here.
• If you’re interested in helping out the kids of La Habra, but don’t play guitar, you can purchase picks to be sent straight to the school. We will still match each pick you purchase. Buy here.
• With our Pick & Poster Pleasure Pack, you’ll get 36 GearPipe picks, 4 guitar pick refrigerator magnets, a “Trustworthiness of Guitars” poster, and a GearPipe road case sticker, all for $25. For each pack purchased, we’ll donate 40 guitar picks to the kids of La Habra. Buy here.
• And to sweeten the deal even more, we’re offering free US shipping for all orders $25 and over. To activate free shipping, enter the coupon code “lahabra” when checking out.

Singer Tony Karlsson works with a student on his chord changes

I’m told people like bundles. If this is, in fact, true, I’ve got a good one for you.

I took pretty much everything we sell in the GearPipe Shop (all three items) and threw them together in a box (actually, placed them nicely in a poster tube), and cut the price a bit.

Buy the new Pick & Poster Pleasure Pack, just $25, and you will receive:

The “Trustworthiness of Guitars” poster, one of our most popular items, was designed by renowned poster artist Chris Gregori. Chris has crafted concert posters for Freelance Whales and Leftover Salmon, among others, and has provided illustrations for Daytrotter. This 8.5″ x 39″ high quality poster is printed on 100 lb. matte finished poster stock using brilliantly colored inks.

Along with the poster, you’ll score 36 GearPipe Classic Guitar Picks. Manufactured in the USA out of the highest quality celluloid, GearPipe picks are available in your choice of thin, medium, or heavy, with the GearPipe.com logo stamped in gold.

But that’s not all! We’ll also throw in four GearPipe Guitar Pick Refrigerator Magnets. These industrial strength magnets will not only hold years of report cards up on the ol’ Frigidaire, but will serve as emergency plectrums when all other picks have mysteriously disappeared under the couch cushions.

Order now and this collection of GearPipe swag, already sold at an insanely discounted price, will include a heavy-duty, GearPipe sticker. This is no cheapy. This sticker includes a hard core sticky icky backside, plus a laminated top coat for serious strength, whether affixed to your road case or Trapper Keeper.

Oh…and this order qualifies for our Pick Education program. With each Pick & Poster Pleasure Pack order, we’ll donate 40 GearPipe guitar picks to our current partner.

Every good drummer knows the kick drum pedal is an extension of their body. If you want to keep a steady beat, let alone play fast, a good pedal is a must.

From The Definitive Recording Guide, you have a chance to win a brand new Sonor “Perfect Balance” Jojo Mayer Signature Model bass drum pedal. What this pedal lacks in flash, it makes up for in pure smoothness!

Entry Deadline: May 31, 2012
Eligibility: Worldwide

I know there’s been a lot of talk lately about Eddie Van Halen being a big fat lair, but it’s tough to argue with his tone!

From EVH Gear enter to win an EVH 5150III 100-watt amp head autographed by Eddie. It’s three massive-sounding channels of pure EVH tone and power—in ivory, with four-button footswitch included—and personalized by the man himself.

Entry Deadline: June 5, 2012
Eligibility: US & Canada, 18+