03 November, 2023

On October 24, 2023 I provided a Harmonikids session to 30 fifth grade students at George E. Harris Elementary, a Title 1 school (for underserved children) in Las Vegas, NV. The session was sponsored by Hohner and coordinated with the Las Vegas Blues Society (LVBS). The wonderful success of the session and the positive impact it had on the students is illustrated below by the insightful feedback received from Marissa Hollenback (LVBS) and classroom teacher Dina Sanzobrinom. 

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

###

"What is Blues”?  

That's a difficult question for adults, let alone a group of 5th grade students. That’s what Gary Allegretto asked them during his Blues Harmonica Class , and to my surprise, a few of them had answers: "Sad, depressed, happy, surprising music". Even, "the sound of a mosquito in my room". Not too many students raised their hands for this question, but I think after their lesson with Gary, they would all raise their hands and have so much more to say. They would even be able to play you an example of the Blues on their new Hohner harmonicas! That is the goal of the Las Vegas Blues Society...to keep the Blues alive by spreading awareness and education. We achieved that goal today through Gary Allegretto.

Never before have I had the opportunity and privilege to watch 30+ students visibly have their minds and worlds expand right in front of my eyes. It was palpable. These students attend a Title 1 school, which means most of them participate in a free lunch program and don't have as many opportunities as kids in other areas. It was our honor and privilege to bring them this opportunity.

I watched as every single student's mind and heart expanded and I felt the inspiration in the room. It brought me to tears more than once. There were so many "ooh's" and "aah's", smiles, wide eyes, and gasps, as they learned all their answers were correct to the question, "What is Blues?" and also, so much more.  Their excitement was contagious and they absolutely did not want the lesson to end. (We barely got Gary out the door!) 

The students learned how harmonicas shaped American history, how Blues is an expression, how to care for their harmonicas and even harmonica etiquette. Gary's method is so streamlined, they were even playing four songs by themselves in under one hour. Their confidence soared and I think that because they were able to actually play songs,  Gary solidified not just the instrument, but Blues music in their minds.  I'd bet a lot of them went home and taught their parents a few things! Not only do I think we may have created a few harmonica players, but I think we also created a lot of Blues music fans as well.  

May these students continue to be inspired to express themselves and create music themselves!

Thank you Mr. Allegretto!

~ Marissa Hollenback, Las Vegas Blues Society

###

Our fifth Grade class feels so grateful to have had the Harmonikids experience with Gary Allegretto. I was so impressed how well paced his training was. The students were 100% engaged in the conversations and lessons. Gary understands children and how to relate to them. He included lots of history of the harmonica, as well as American History. He tested the students' knowledge by asking appropriate questions about history. He was very clear with his instructions and used easy step by step directions to teach us how to play the harmonica. The students actually learned to accurately play four songs. They just loved him. They even asked for his autograph!!

We would welcome Gary back at any time. He was truly amazing! Thank you so much for this opportunity!! 

~ Dina Sanzobrinom, Fifth Grade Teacher George E. Harris Elementary, Las Vegas, NV