30 December, 2022

On December 14, 2022 I returned to provide a special Hohner sponsored Harmonikids Holiday session to 17 participants at the Ferris detention facility in Wilmington Delaware; a full-security juvenile facility for teens whose mission is to “provide educational and therapeutic services to adjudicated youth in a safe, staff-secure and gender sensitive environment preparing them for successful re-entry into the community.” The session provided fascinating history, entertainment and shiny new Hohner Harmonicas on which they were taught how to to accurately play. The teens were engaged when I showed them the strong connection of the Blues to the Rap and Hip Hop music that they unanimously enjoy. With the Christmas holiday days away, I concluded the session with “Jingle Bells”. Several were beaming with pride and joy as they successfully played music for the first time. It was inspirational to witness a positive transformation of their demeanor and spirit as they applied themselves to the lesson. Harmonikids provides a healthy form of creative expression and emotional release for detained youth in this crucial time in their lives. Simply stated, the lessons often become an inspiration for these adolescents to grow, change, forgive the world – and themselves. The harmonica often becomes a powerful but gentle tool to help kids get back on track and elevate self esteem and confidence making a positive difference in their lives through music. 

In her insightful thank you note from a previous holiday session below, Principal Erica Holt describes the Harmonikids session as an unforgettable educational experience that provided the troubled youth a positive outlook, stress and behavior management, and a coping strategy. It also provided a skill “that helps to encourage the students while creating feelings of warmth and happiness as they approach this holiday season away from their families”. And as she says, “Not only did this experience soothe the students, but it brought laughter and joy.“

~ Gary Allegretto, Founding Director of Harmonikids, www.harmonikids.org

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“I would like to thank you for your holiday Harmonikids visit to Ferris Youth Detention Center. The youth really appreciated having the opportunity to learn a new skill and experience a musical instrument they had limited knowledge of. Learning about the history of the harmonica and is role across various genres of music was equally as interesting. The instructional practice you provided will allow students to utilize the harmonica to decrease stress, manage behavior, and as a way to mentally escape from their current placement. Music has the ability to give students a more positive attitude toward life and gets us all through tough times. Learning to play the harmonica has broadened the kids musical intellect and provided a new coping strategy. This skill helps to encourage the students while creating feelings of warmth and happiness as they approach this holiday season away from their families. Not only did this experience soothe the students, but it brought laughter and joy. Our students will never forget your visit. We look forward to your return and thank you again for the time and investment into our youth.“

~ Erica Holt, Principal, Cleveland White School at Ferris Youth Detention Center