03 March, 2025

On February 28, 2025 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to 25 underserved child participants at the the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Newark. 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 many it was the first experience of learning to make music on a real musical instrument. Attached below is some feedback received from club director Desiree Brady.

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

###

"Thank you so much for bringing your Harmonikids program to our club here at Greater Newark! I could not have been more thrilled with our youth's experience. Your teaching style is engaging and tailored to accommodate various skill levels, which made it perfect for all. The lesson was thoughtfully structured, balancing skill development with creative exploration. What my staff and I appreciated the most was the hands on approach to learning how to play the harmonica, and then providing each youth member with their own instrument to keep and teaching them all how to play four songs. We hope to see you back in the area soon providing other clubs with the amazing experience you provided for us here at The Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club."

~ Desiree Brady, Club Director, Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club