01 October, 2026

On September 9, 2026 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to 30 elementary and grade school children at A Place Called Home (APCH) in South Central Los Angeles. A perfect match with Harmonikids, APCH is a nurturing facility whose mission is to provide gang-affected youth a safe haven for learning and inspiration away from the life threatening dangers and temptations of the streets. Like Harmonikids, APCH teaches and encourages young to "develop their gifts, strengthen their skills, and build resources and relationships to realize their goals and aspirations. Along the way, they learn that their voices are important, and that they can contribute to making the world a better, more just and equitable place for everyone." It was a delightful session. All students were fully focused and engaged throughout the 90 minutes and room was filled with excitement and enthusiasm. The kids giggled with joy and astonishment as I entertained them. Then each was thrilled as I handed them new Hohner harmonicas on which I gently taught them to accurately play 4 songs. They beamed with pride at their immediate success. It made a positive difference in the lives of these youth - joyfully boosting their confidence and self esteem on a musical instrument the’d never played before. Attached below is a note of thanks from APCH Music Programs Sr. Manager, Joaquin Pacheco.

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

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We had a wonderful experience welcoming Harmonikids to A Place Called Home on September 9th, for a workshop with 30 of our fourth and fifth grade members. Gary did a fantastic job introducing the harmonica. Having all materials ready and prepared for members so everyone could follow along, sharing its history, entertaining them with amazing performances, and leading students through favorite children songs that they know and love that kept the room fully engaged. What stood out most was how the energy carried on well after that 90 minute workshop. Members were so confident in what they had learned they were still playing the songs and showing off their harmonicas that same day and in the days that followed. That kind of sustained excitement is such a strong reflection of Harmonikids lasting impact. Programs like this give our members access to instruments and musical traditions they might not otherwise encounter, and open doors to new creative outlets. APCH and its community would not have another way of sharing music on such an amazing instrument. We appreciate having Gary’s Hohner-sponsored Harmonkids session at APCH, and look forward to future workshops.

~ Joaquin Pacheco, Music Programs Sr. Manager, A Place Called Home