25 April, 2017

On February 24, 2017 I provided a Hohner sponsored Harmonikids session to The High Frontier, a sprawling ranch facility for troubled youth outside of Fort Davis, Texas. In the return session 70 participants were entertained then gifted harmonicas and taught to accurately play four songs. It was a rousing success. The fully engaged teens really enjoyed themselves and were very proud of their newly discovered musical ability.

The Harmonikids session provided the therapeutic joy of learning music while elevating  self esteem and confidence at a crucial time in the lives of these challenged adolescents. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the many benefits the youth gained from the experience is to share this letter I received from the facility's therapist following the session.

Gary Allegretto

Harmonikids Founding Director

www.harmonikids.org

Gary:

I just wanted to write and thank you for visiting with our kids last week. You had a very positive impact on them. The fact that High Frontier is a Residential Treatment Center literally in the middle of nowhere means that your visit is one of the high points in the calendar year. So the kids really appreciate not only your musical talent but also your kindness and your teaching and your sense of humor. Not to mention free harmonicas!

The kids around here are still talking about it. These are troubled kids, and the harmonica is a gateway to music and to positivity. You got them all to relax and have fun, and made them feel successful. On my late night I heard someone practicing in just about every dorm. You really are planting little "music seeds" everywhere you go. 

I imagine you are a hit everywhere you go, but especially so here. Thank you again for the visit. Also, if you would pass along our thanks to the good people at Hohner, I’d appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Wayne Wentworth, M.Ed-LPC
Team Therapist
The High Frontier
Fort Davis, Texas