17 May, 2024

On May 10, 2024 I provided my Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to 84 fourth graders at Ingram Elementary in Ingram, Texas. The school is classified as “Title 1” meaning “a school with high percentages of children from low-income families” who often don't have access to learn music on a musical instrument. The session was a tremendous success with all the students overjoyed to learn fascinating harmonica history, be entertained by my performance, and then receive Hohner harmonicas on which I taught them to to accurately play 4 songs. They were astonished by the speed in which they learned to play music on their shiny new harmonicas that they were thrilled to get to keep. It was a great boost to their self esteem and confidence. School Principal Kali Brant was in attendance and shares her enthusiastic feedback about the session below.

~ Gary Allegretto, founding director of Harmonikids, www.harmonikids.org

###

"Thank you so much for visiting Ingram Elementary this morning! The kids truly enjoyed it! We are a Title 1 school. A majority of our students are of low socio-economic status with limited experiences. It was huge to get to meet you, be exposed to your music, receive a unique music lesson, and even take home their own harmonica! That is something most of our students would have never experienced if it wasn't for your visit today. Our students couldn't wait to get home and show off their new talent and instrument to their families. 

Again, thank you so much for treating our kids to a fun learning experience!

~Kali Brandt, Principal, Ingram Elementary School, Ingram, TX