Letter from Spectrum Girls Program (teenage delinquent lockup)

(Dorchester, MA)

May 17, 2004

To: Sarasa Ensemble

We have had the privilege of having the Sarasa Ensemble visit our unit for the past three weeks. As Program Director, I would like to express our appreciation to the Ensemble, not only for their time, but also for exposing our clients to classical music. I believe that due to this program our girls discovered the beauty and fun of timeless music.

From their very first visit, I noticed the concentration the girls gave to this group and talk all week on the unit centered on their return visit.

I was very impressed with the interaction between the girls and the Ensemble with singing, poetry reading and dancing. One client, in particular, was very proud to find that the Ensemble had put music to her poem. I am confident that she will carry this moment with her the rest of her life. Another client's interest was elevated to the degree of inquiring about the possibility of taking singing lessons.

I am secure in the knowledge that never have the girls responded to any group as they did the Sarasa Ensemble. The open, fun-filled, positive manner in which the girls reacted has not been witnessed on this unit until the Sarasa Ensemble entered the doors.

I wish to thank the Sarasa Ensemble on behalf of our clients for not only giving of themselves but primarily for encouraging our clients to participate to the fullest in their marvelous program.

This program, I feel, is extremely beneficial in the development of young teenagers and I can only make an appeal that the Sarasa Ensemble come back for more visits when ever possible.

Thank you,

Nancy Carter, director
Spectrum Girls Detention Unit

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