05 December, 2025

On November 21, 2025 I provided a special holiday Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to 20 underserved 4th and 5th graders at the the Boys & Girls Club of Carson program. All 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 I handed them new Hohner harmonicas on which I gently taught them to accurately play four songs - which to their delight included holiday favorites Jingle Bells and Silent Night. 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 supervisors the Carson Boys & Girls Club sessions. 

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

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“Harmonikids has been such a positive experience for the children! It was so inspiring to see them so engaged and excited about learning a new instrument and feeling so encouraged to show what they have learned. I can see the confidence it built in the students, especially at a stage of life where they feel so unsure of themselves. I think that makes an experience like this all the more powerful. So many of the students were so eager to show their parents what they had learned and talked about how they were going to be practicing the songs over the holidays, so I can see the impact it had on them was a big one. Thank you so much for what you do and the service you provide. 

~ Rebeca Gomez, Site Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club of Carson 

Thank you for taking the time to visit our school today. Our 4th and 5th grade students truly enjoyed learning to play the harmonica. You did an excellent job guiding them step-by-step through the harmonica notes, as well as introducing the history of American music and the harmonica’s important role within it. The students left the session with a deeper understanding of music history, the ability to read and play basic harmonica notes, and the excitement of receiving their own harmonica to continue practicing. We appreciate your dedication to enriching our students’ learning experience and hope to welcome you again in the future.

~ Martin Allison, YDP, Boys & Girls Club of Carson