30 November, 2023

As I walked into the lobby of Boys & Girls Club of Carson, CA on Nov 9, 2023, in the corner sat a little boy bawling inconsolably. Tears streamed down his face. It seems he had misbehaved out of anger and they had to call his mother who was on her way to pick him up. Empathetically I said, “Aw buddy did you have a bad day?” He responded with even louder wailing. Reassuringly, I said "I’ve got a gift for you that will make your day happier.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a new harmonica and handed it to him. Still sniffling, he opened the box. I leaned in close with my own harmonica and played “You Are My Sunshine” and his face brightened as his distress dissipated. Listening intently, tears were replaced with curiosity and fascination. I encouraged him to make a note himself and when he did his face lit up and his whole demeanor changed. Wiping his tears away he said very softly and earnestly, "I’m sorry. I don’t know how to act when I get mad.” I told him "I understand because sometimes I feel the same way, but now you can play your harmonica to express your feelings in a positive way whenever you feel like that - because that’s what I do.” 

Having a healthy outlet in which to express oneself is beneficial for all of us, but especially at this crucial time in a child’s life. Playing music on a harmonica re-adjusts one's focus and frame of mind through creative breathing. I have been told by physicians and mental health therapists of participating facilities that it aids their child patients in coping skills, pain management and recovery. I understand this since playing harmonica became a sanctuary in my own childhood when I was gifted a Hohner harmonica by my grandfather. It made a positive difference in my life and became my inspiration to create Hamonikids to assist others.  

The boy was thrilled to be allowed to join the session along with thirty other children. His mother was delighted as she proudly watched him enjoy himself interacting with the others while being well behaved. All were entertained and then learned to play songs on their new Hohner harmonicas. As facility supervisor Brianna Escoveda and her staff relates in the feedback below the session not only brought shifts in behavior, but also joy, confidence, and a sense of hope to all the children as they received and became successful playing songs on this special musical gift. 

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

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Hi Gary, 

First, I'd like to start off letting you know that your performance was awesome! 

During the time that was donated from the Harmonikids programs you could really see a shift in the members behaviors. The kids were joyous throughout the whole interaction. As they were following the steps that were given by Gary you can notice that from the beginning of starting to play the harmonica towards the end, they were more confident in themselves. They took notice on the fact that they were able to play it correctly, while being able to have fun.

This experience for them can instill a sense of autonomy within the lives of these members that unfortunately might struggle with having. Although we are a very diverse community here at BGC, not each kid shares the same opportunities. Receiving these musical gifts as well as the lesson can create a sense of hope for these kids and teach them to always grab a hold on opportunities.

Lastly, it was brought to our attention upon Gary's arrival into the facility we had a member who was very upset in the front. As Gary noticed he offered him a harmonica and talked to him for few minutes. The member immediately felt better and smiled while playing with the harmonica. He was able to join the group that Gary was teaching and through the evening the members behavior improved after his interaction with Gary and being able to learn more about the harmonica. 

We wanted to acknowledge this and share our appreciation towards you, Hohner and this program. Thank you for sharing the experience of music with us!! 

~ Supervisor Briannda Escobedo and the staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Carson