BAND SEEKING HELP TO PERFORM FOR COMMUNITY; GOLDFISH MAKES IMPACT ON KIDS.

Byline: Joanne Crawford Education

The local band Goldfish is gaining recognition throughout the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles areas and its goal continues to be to make a positive impact on the younger generation.

The musicians are seeking local businesses as sponsors so the band can continue to perform at community-service concerts, said Merna Estrada, the band's manager and mother of four of its members.

The group includes brothers Mario Estrada, 18, a keyboardist and vocalist; Tizoc Estrada, 16, on bass guitar; Shuru Estrada, 15; and drummer Gabriel Estrada, 14. Rounding out the band is Dana Viola, 16, on keyboard and Elvia Corrales, 18, on percussion and vocals.

``They want to help motivate the young generation,'' said Merna Estrada. ``They want to make an impact on kids to see where they are and where they could be.

``Here is a band that has worked so hard to help the community. They have tried so hard to give back what they have received already. The audiences have accepted them. They have been received so warmly. We want to reach out through the language of music.''

Goldfish, which formed in 1996, has received some donations, with the Estrada family covering most of the group's financial needs.

But members are seeking regular sponsorships from area businesses and corporations because of the number of benefit performances put on at no charge, Merna Estrada said.

``We do a lot of community service,'' Merna Estrada said. ``It is really getting to the point where we like it but, moneywise, it's been tough for us.''

Mario Estrada is a graduate of Quartz Hill High School and will be a sophomore this fall at Loyola Marymount University, where he will be majoring in biochemistry. The other Estrada brothersand Viola attend Quartz Hill, Merna Estrada said. Corrales, who graduated from Quartz Hill last year, is attending California State University, Northridge,

Goldfish opened June 17 for the popular 1970s band Tierra, in San Fernando Park for the Heritage Days Festival, Estrada said. The musicians were recommended by Sal Rodriguez, a member of War, another well-known band from the '70s, who heard Goldfish at another event.

In early May, Goldfish helped raise money for Rosamond High School's automotive technology program at its car and motorcycle show, Estrada said.

The students also performed for the Walk America event in Palmdale, and for Cinco de Mayo festivities sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Guadalupe Community Center.

The band also appeared at the Latino Book & Cultural Festival, the San Fernando Mission's bicentennial celebration and the Rising Stars scholarship benefit for Latino students in the Antelope Valley.

The band is well known for its focus on teens at the lower-income level and its members always strive to be positive role models to everyone they meet, Estrada said.

For more information on Goldfish, call Estrada at [phone].

LANCASTER - The Lancaster ELementary School band is seeking business or individual sponsorships and donations of musical equipment in good condition.