Music!!!! A Universal Language

The Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center has partnered with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra to present “CHAMBER FOR THE CHALLENGED.” The program is made possible by a 2016-2017 grant funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, executed by the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra (LSO) Education Program and implemented at the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center (LCJJC).

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.”

McFadden Sends Youth Home with Backpack of 'Hope'

By Y. Denise Caldwell Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer McFadden Ranch Volunteer Larry Bossaler enjoys his assignment: Making sure that every youth who leaves the McFadden halfway house knows that people are praying for him and wishing him the best in his future. He is the man who brings them their “Good-Bye” backpack. When he delivers the backpacks, he makes sure to do three things – visit with the youth, show the contents of the backpack (because staff put them in the lockers until the youth leaves), and lastly close the visit with a heartfelt prayer. The youth enjoy and appreciate the backpack, the visit and the prayer. Many are a little anxious and scared to leave but knowing that the McFadden volunteers care enough to send them off in this special way, helps them feel a bit less worried. “I always bring an extra backpack,” Larry said. “In case a youth i

McFadden Ranch High School Graduates Honored

DENTON, Texas -- The Kiwanis Club of Denton recognized nine youth from McFadden Ranch who earned their high school diploma or equivalency by inviting them to their April 17 noon meeting and luncheon where they were awarded $50 each for their trust fund. Spearheaded by JCO IV Gregory Winn, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Denton, the event was truly memorable for the youth who attended. They heard a motivational and moving presentation by Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who completed the Greatest Endurance Challenge – the World Marathon Challenge – tackling seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He took the challenge after being inspired by Jonny Wade, a 7-year-old boy who battled pediatric cancer and had only one wish – ‘that no other kid ever gets cancer.’ Wade’s death led to the creation of Pediatric Cancer Foundation for which Fallon raised over $250,000 so far. Fallon, who represents a portion of Denton County, said the takeaway from his experience is that we

IN MEMORY AND APPRECIATION: Trayce Haynes Alexander

Trayce Haynes Alexander, of Cat Spring, Texas passed away in April. She was a JCO IV at the Giddings State School and began her employment with the Texas Youth Commission on January 5, 2009, as a JCO III. She was promoted to a JCO IV on April 1, 2010. Trayce was a hardworking, loyal and dedicated staff member and friend. Her number one priority was the youth in her dorm and she would drive one hour and forty minutes everyday (even in ill health) to try to make a difference in the lives of the youth she worked with. She was well respected by both staff and youth due to her extraordinary work ethic. The boys could always depend on her to hold them accountable. She is survived by her husband Geoff Alexander and two daughters, Kristyn and Robyn Alexander. Trayce was born on September 3, 1952. She earned a BS from Southwest Texas State University in Law Enforcement.

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