Oriolo Guitars Makes $40,000 Instrument Donation to GITC

San Diego-based non-profit Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) announced that the Oriolo Guitar Co. recently made a $40,000 donation of guitars and ukuleles to its work of bringing music into the heart of academic learning across the country. Oriolo Guitars are best known for their colorful artwork, many featuring the popular character Felix the Cat who was produced by Joe Oriolo.

Oriolo’s son, Don, took the helm of Felix The Cat Productions Inc. in 1984 and has produced numerous episodes of Felix and brought the licensing brand to new heights. Oriolo entered the musical instruments/products world in 2008 when he first designed and manufactured his Oriolo Guitars. The company was founded by Don and believes in making music-based learning enjoyable for all kids.

“Bringing the fun back to playing guitars and ukes for children starts with exciting, colorful artwork like having Felix on the instruments,” said Don Oriolo, Oriolo Guitar Co. “We urge more music products companies to get involved and donate to GITC to support their great work in our classrooms.”

"The Felix the Cat guitars and ukuleles are bringing immediate smiles to students' faces and delighting the teachers with their blend of nostalgia, art and humor,” said GITC executive director, Jessica Baron. “We are all grateful to Oriolo Guitars for supplying our programs with such fun instruments in 2014."