The Cornerstones of Power of Harmony

The goal of Power of Harmony is to reduce the recidivism rate among youth by providing a bridge and path back into society that includes a music community support system and male role models. Music is the vehicle for this program and the four interrelated cornerstones of Power of Harmony are education, performance, participation and mentorship.

Vocal Music Education

Weekly music classes. Power of Harmony educators introduce, encourage, and teach vocal music, meeting the youth ‘where they are’. The goal is to increase their appreciation of music, encourage creativity and help the youth reap the emotional, mental, and physical benefits of singing. Each weekly class is an hour long with two (2) instructors. We favor a culturally-responsive pedagogy to “meet them where they are” and encourage our youth to live their music in every session.

Professional Live Concert Performances

Periodic live concerts. Incarcerated youth are introduced to different musical genres on a regular schedule through live, on-site concerts. This serves to not only expose the youth to the music but also engages them in conversation to draw them to the educational and ensemble singing components of the program. Performances by outside professional groups are staged every 6 weeks.

Ensemble Singing

Group singing. Learning and performing vocal music in an ensemble is life-changing. It’s personal. It’s intellectually challenging. It stimulates creativity and instills confidence and teaches cooperation and commitment. Ensembles of incarcerated youth sing in their facility for various events like graduation ceremonies, special assemblies and family-visitation days.

Mentorship.

Adult Mentors. Volunteers join the music education classes not only to support the youth participants, but also to establish mentor relationships with them. The one-on-one mentorship continues post-release. Power of Harmony volunteers lead the youth to singing communities and continue to provide nurturing, compassion, and companionship. We believe this is a key component in ‘breaking the cycle’ and providing a path for these young men to lead more productive lives. Formal training of the mentors is an ongoing part of the Power of Harmony program.

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