Since I began working at a youth residential treatment center in July of 2013, I’ve had some profound musical and personal experiences. Every work day is the same routine: Ukulele group for 30 minutes, group sing-along for an hour and 15 minutes, followed by recording sessions in our makeshift mobile studio. This schedule, coupled with the My Voice Music culture, allows for participating youth to express their feelings and their art in a supportive and safe environment.

Does this mean every session is a soul-shattering, deep, emotional and musical breakthrough with everyone involved? Absolutely not. The room will be full of enthusiastic and open kiddos one week and sparsely populated with the reluctant, disruptive and aloof the next. What’s important is that there is always the chance for something special to occur. The floor is always open, and even when we’re not all having the best of days, the fact that we can hang out for a little while and distract (and enrich) ourselves with music and conversation makes every Monday special.

I remember one session in particular. The participant was shy and reluctant to go through with the recording. The staff member in the room and I were trying to be as encouraging and supportive as possible, downplaying the obvious intimidation factor of singing a very personal song in a tiny room with two strangers, with the added pressure of putting that song to tape (well, to digital “tape”). We talked for a while about the process, about recording and making music in general. We decided to do a practice run, which had its hiccups but went well. It was clear that she found her confidence, because we did another take and she nailed it! After I stopped the recording, she exhaled and said she used to be so afraid of singing and expressing herself in front of others, but that she will no longer have any issues.

This was a nice moment, to be sure. I cherish those tiny victories.

Luke Hall