08 September, 2022

On August 12, 2022 I provided a Hohner-sponsored Harmonikids session to 20 male and female youth participants at the Yavapai County Juvenile Justice Center in Prescott, Arizona. Over the years Harmonikids’ ongoing programs to assist the 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 grow, change, forgive the world – and themselves. The harmonica becomes a powerful but gentle tool to help kids get back on track and make a positive difference in young lives. The benefits Harmonikids provided are shared bellow in the insightful email received from facility teacher Lori Stuckman. Of special note, she says the session helped the youth  “open their minds to creativity and exposed them to elements of music that they had never considered… gain confidence, gain memorization skills, and gain a sense of belonging.  And  for some “… it was the first time we had seen them smile and laugh in a long while. It truly was a magical time for our students.”

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

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We cannot thank you and the Hohner company enough for the wonderful musical experience for our students. We so enjoyed our time with you on Friday, August 12.

First, the history that our students learned through your lesson on the blues, jazz, and rap fascinated them. You helped open their minds to creativity and exposed them to elements of music that they had never considered. They really enjoyed learning to accurately play the four songs. Learning the history of each song as they learned to play them helped students feel more a part of America.

Second, allowing them to keep the quality harmonicas was very special. All of the students were thrilled with the special gift. For some of these students, it was the first time we had seen them smile and laugh in a long while. The students seemed to gain confidence and a team spirit as the lesson progressed. 

Lastly, we as teachers truly believe that music is a universal language, helping students to gain confidence, gain memorization skills, and gain a sense of belonging. They learned together, they made mistakes together, and they laughed together. It truly was a magical time for our students.

~ Lori Stuckman, M.Ed., K-12 Certified Teacher, Prescott Lakes Parkway School, Yavapai County Juvenile Justice Center