05 March, 2023

On March 5, 2023 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to youth on probation at the Cochise County Juvenile Justice Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Harmonikids’ ongoing programs to assist youth in detention facilities have become among my personal favorites because the teen participants (some of whom have been neglected, abandoned, and/or abused in their young lives) receive much-needed self esteem and confidence from the experience. Harmonikids provides a healthy and positive form of creative expression and emotional release for detained youth in this crucial time in their lives. Simply stated, the lessons often become an inspiration for these adolescents to heal, grow, change, and forgive.

During the session one of the teens was particularly thrilled, gleefully shouting out “Yay!” after learning each of the four songs I taught. His excitement inspired lots of questions and comments. When we finished I gave him a “fist-bump” telling him he did a really great job and that I was proud of him. It’s hard to describe the radiant smile he gave me in return. He was absolutely beaming with joy. His delight and the happy transformation he experienced was felt by all in attendance.  

I have received hundreds of heartwarming letters of feedback and thanks from facilities over the years. This one from the aforementioned young man’s probation officer, Deputy Tanisha Castilaw (attached below) is particularly moving and insightful. It illustrates that you never know what traumatic struggles participants may have endured and survived - or the truly profound positive difference that the gift of music can make in their young lives.

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

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Hi Gary, 

I just wanted to thank you for coming to Cochise County and doing Harmonikids. It was such a great way for the kids to have some fun and see that Probation is not always a negative thing.

The young man that I transported is on my caseload. I just wanted to share some of his history with you so that you can see the impact you have on our youth.

His father is in prison for severely abusing him and his siblings. He was just removed from his mother in early February. He is in a foster placement. His mother has stated she does not want him back because he reminds her of his father. This young man has no biological family to speak of. He has shared with me in our check ins that he did not get Christmas presents or birthday presents but his younger siblings would. He would often state to me, “my mom hates me and I don’t know why.” He would say, “I would rather live with my father who abuses me that with my mother who hates me.” When I asked him if he’d like to attend your program he did not hesitate to say yes. There was not convincing him or selling him on it, he said yes. He told me that just going on a trip 45 minutes away from his home was a treat for him because he’s never been on a vacation. When I told him he would get a free harmonica, his entire body changed, and his face lit up! The idea he was going to get something too was more than he could comprehend. He kept asking if he needed to pay for it, was I sure it was free, and was I playing a joke on him.

In the week leading up to your program, he called me everyday to make sure I was still picking him up to go. He talked the entire drive there about how excited he was. And drive home, he never stopped talking! He told his foster placement that it took him going on Probation to finally feel accepted and treated with respect by adults. He told me he wished he would be on Probation longer so that he could attend your program again next year, lol!

Needless to say, you made this boy the happiest he has ever been in his 15 years, his words not mine!

Again, thank you for taking the time to do this program. It is definitely needed and I look forward to bringing another group next year!

~ Tanisha Castilaw, Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer, Benson, AZ