The partnership enables the LSO to reach out to incarcerated and marginalized youth in the Lubbock community through a program of chamber ensemble performances developed especially for them. “Music can transform and inspire the lives of those it touches in an intimate concert setting” said William Carter, Director of the LCJJC, “but challenged South Plains youths in these types of environments can only experience this power if the LSO can bring the music to them.”
Utilizing multiple chamber ensembles that vary in size and instrumentation, the LSO chamber ensembles offer one presentation per month from September, 2016 through May, 2017 at the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center (LCJJC). “The youths in this facility are removed from traditional populations of the same age and education level, so bringing this outreach directly to them is essential” said Carter. These concerts have the potential to increase hope and inspire positive change, helping youths to begin to envision a brighter future through progressively motivating messages. The presentation content is entertaining, instructive, and inspiring.
The juveniles participate in an interactive demonstration utilizing chamber music to illustrate rehabilitative concepts such as productive participation in social groups (e.g. each individual instrument becomes an integral part of the ensemble). Programmatic material utilize the concept of an ensemble itself, various individual instruments assembled into a group, to mirror social structures; that each instrument contributes to a harmonious sound illustrates how individuals form our larger society. Demonstration of these concepts forms associations between the performances and types of social and emotional rehabilitation, since all members of the audience have experienced some sort of societal exclusion and isolation.
“As a former musician I have enjoyed watching the juveniles interact with the ensembles both individually and as a group” said Carter. “During the Q&A periods the juveniles are allowed to ask questions and provide feedback such as how the music affects their current moods and emotions.”