20 November, 2023

On November 2, 2023 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to a gymnasium full of 80 children at the the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, CA. All students were fully focused and engaged throughout the session. The 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 four 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. For most it was the first experience of learning to make music on a real musical instrument. Attached below is a note of thanks from events coordinator Dave Blazek and Chief Executive Officer Lisa J. Cavelier. 

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

###

Thank you so much for your Harmonikids session. The smiles and laughter from the kids were priceless!

Whether your career is music, finance, law, sports, whatever… everyone was given a shot at some point. Everyone had that spark that lit a fire within them to go for their dreams. You were given that spark from your grandfather, and I truly believe that you gave it to multiple kids yesterday. I would not be surprised in any way if a few of them continue playing, and start turning to additional instruments because yesterday, they were exposed to something they otherwise may not have.

Thank you for what you did for the kids in Pasadana, and nationally as you travel.  Much appreciated!!

~ Dave Blazek, Events Coordinator, Pasadena Boys & Girls Club

###

Thank you so much for visiting our kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena yesterday! We all had a great time learning how to play the harmonica!

The kids not only had fun, but also learned a lot. We love exposing the kids to things they may never have been exposed to before. Your presentation was good for skill-building around following directions, listening carefully, repetition in learning a musical skill, being patient, and respecting a presenter/teacher. It was clear they also really loved the historical information you shared, and the vignettes or samples of music from different eras you played. It was a great experience all around, and a special bonus to receive our own harmonicas from Hohner! So generous and appreciated, and who knows which kids were sparked to go home and keep learning how to play them. All around, so appreciated, and we are grateful for an informative and fun afternoon!

~ Lisa J. Cavelier, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena