Harmonikids Hohner-Sponsored Session for Tulsa Boys Home
23 September, 2024
On August 14, 2024 I provided a Hohner-sponsored session to over 40 young men at the Tulsa Boys Home (TBH) in Tulsa, OK. This was my fourth session working with youth at this wonderful facility. Since 1913 TBH has helped boys with challenges such as "poverty, abuse, neglect and drug addiction lead happy, productive and successful lives”. Harmonikids provides youth such as these a healthy and positive form of creative expression while raising self esteem and confidence at a crucial time in their lives. Learning to play songs on harmonica becomes a strong but gentle tool to make a valuable difference by bringing the joy of music in their lives. The lessons can provide inspiration for them to grow, change, and forgive. Moreover, as TBH Lodge Manager, Tiffany Christensen says in her feedback below, "They learned how playing the harmonica can serve as both an outlet and a coping skill, benefitting them now and in the future.” When I spoke with TBH Program Director Ken Callen afterward he informed me that the event was particularly helpful in aiding these young residents since many are currently there are in witness protection programs - sadly having had to testify against their criminally abusive parents. His thank you note below gives insight to how my Harmonikids session was a “transformative experience” that “equipped the young men with a powerful coping mechanism for times of crisis, a means to alleviate stress, or simply a way to have fun."
A very special thanks to Harmonikids’ long-time friends, donors, and supporters David and Liz Berntson in Tulsa who helped with ground transportation to session. Thanks also to Hohner representatives Jesse Hanks and Michael Mantay for attending. As always, heartfelt thanks to Hohner for their ongoing sponsorship and support of Harmonikds programs.
~Gary Allegretto, Founding Director of Harmonikids (www.harmonikids.org)
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"The harmonica is a truly versatile instrument, with the power to express a wide range of emotions from joy to sorrow, and everything in between. As Charlie Musselwhite put it, it's like singing the blues without using words. Gary Allegretto's visit was a transformative experience for our young men. He not only shared his incredible talent and expertise, but also imparted invaluable lessons about respecting different musical instruments and genres. Further, Allegretto also equipped our young men with a powerful coping mechanism for times of crisis, a means to alleviate stress, or simply a way to have fun.
Through his guidance, the boys learned to channel their emotions into musical expression, leaving them with a priceless experience and a harmonious soundtrack to reflect upon."
~ Ken Callen, Program Director, Tulsa Boys Home
"Gary Allegretto has a genuine passion and an exceptional ability to make harmonica truly captivating. He was incredibly engaging and highly knowledgeable, not only about playing the harmonica but also about its history, presenting both with a professional touch. His harmonica instruction is a unique and valuable tool that the boys were eager to start using immediately. They learned how playing the harmonica can serve as both an outlet and a coping skill, benefitting them now and in the future."
~ Tulsa Boys Home Lodge Manager, Tiffany Christensen