20 August, 2015

By Gary Allegretto

On August 15, 2015 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in Denver Colorado at the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonica (SPAH) Convention. In the session 20 participants were entertained then gifted harmonicas and taught to play four songs. It was a rousing success and all of the kids (along with their big brothers and big sisters) were very enthusiastic and proud of their newly discovered musical ability.

The session was also attended by harmonica educators and enthusiasts from all over the country who were attending  SPAH and interested in viewing and learning more about Harmonikids award winning teaching method. Harmonikids programs provide the therapeutic joy of learning music while elevating children's self esteem and confidence at a crucial time in their lives. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the many benefits the youth gained from the experience is to share the following inspirational feedback and photos I received from BBBS director Kaity Gray and SPAH instructor and fellow Hohner endorsee Joe Filisko.

Gary Allegretto

Harmonikids Founding Director

www.harmonikids.org

"THANK YOU again so much for the wonderful workshop for the Littles and Bigs on Saturday. The Matches got to learn and experience something new with Harmonikids! Everyone was happy to walk into the convention and hear harmonica music all around and learn about everything involved with the instrument. They attended a class especially for them where they all received their very own harmonica and learned to play four songs. It helped build their confidence and was fun!  Best of all it gave them an activity to continue later one-to-one with their Big Brother or Sister. Gary also taught them about the history of harmonicas and dazzled everyone with his playing. All the Bigs had a great time too and participated  in all the fun. Lunch was provided afterward which gave everyone a chance to eat together and share what they learned! This will be fun for our indoor months! We can practice and learn new songs."

Kaity Gray

Community Events Coordinator, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado

"Gary Allegretto's Harmonikids program at the SPAH harmonica festival held in Denver this August 2015 was a wonderful success.  Gary informed, enthralled, entertained and taught kids and adults alike four songs on the harmonica in an astonishingly short time.  It was quite an experience to witness him work his refined magic after 30 successful years of his program and he is still going strong with no signs of stopping or slowing down!"

Joe Filisko

SPAH Education Program Coordinator and Hohner Product Specialist