When Tony Barnes was in elementary school, he was on a fast track to trouble.

"In fourth grade, I was in the principal's office every day," Barnes said. "I was on my way to juvenile hall."

Barnes said his fifth-grade teacher, Paul Jablownowski, introduced him to music and a better way of life.

"(Jablownowski) kept me out of juvenile hall," said Barnes, a solo artist, former probation officer and teacher. "He was a guy who took time to talk to me. He said, You either work with me and we can learn, or you're outta here.'"

Now, through a partnership with First California Bank of Oxnard, Barnes heads a nonprofit organization that seeks to bring music appreciation to schoolchildren.

Founded in 1999, Peace Thru Music provides musical instruments and musical instruction to children throughout Ventura County. Children from all backgrounds and diversities will flourish when musical instruction is provided, according to the foundation's Web site.

"Music is something that is universal," Barnes said. "It can heal people. It makes me feel so happy because it's the only thing that can move a body without touching it. We don't want to teach them to be rock stars; rock stars end up in rehab. We want to teach them to be musicians. We're trying to make this by kids and for kids, like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.'"

Al Jones, vice president and branch manager of First California Bank, said the organization, based in Ventura, has the potential to transform the lives of needy students.

"This organization has really picked up the pace in trying to create a different atmosphere through music," Jones said. "Putting music in the hands of children helps them do better in math and better in English. (Barnes) is a giver, and he wants to give children music to change their lives."

Today, Peace Thru Music will host an event at Pierpont School in Ventura, where a few students, chosen through an essay contest, will be awarded a bass guitar, amp and drum set.

"For some of the kids, depending on their living situation, it can be an escape for them," Jones said.

Peace Thru Music board member Wendy McDonough, an assistant branch manager at First California Bank, said the organization hopes to keep growing, providing instruments to children throughout Ventura County.

"We're ready to take this to the next level," McDonough said. "The more people that become aware, the more schools we will reach."

To learn more about Peace Thru Music, or find out how to help, visit http://www.peacethrumusic.org.