At ACG, we believe in the transformative power of music. We have witnessed firsthand how music can transcend boundaries, touch hearts, and make a positive impact in people’s lives. Over the past decade, we have been privileged to create and sustain Texas’ first and only daily, for-credit performing arts course for young people incarcerated in the Juvenile Justice system. Learn more about ACG Education and our Juvenile Justice programs here. Click here to learn more about supporting ACG.
For over a decade, ACG has offered guitar classes in central Texas juvenile justice facilities, giving young people meaningful tools for expression, connection, and growth during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. But one question has always lingered: What happens next?
For students who successfully complete their programs at facilities like Gardner Betts, Williamson County, Phoenix House, and the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP), the path forward can be unclear. They return to their home schools or communities, often without consistent support or opportunities to continue the creative journey they began with ACG.
However, this year we have successfully developed the beginning of something incredible!
After three years of dreaming, planning, and persistent effort, we launched a Juvenile Justice Post-Engagement Program—a long-term support system designed to help young people continue their musical journey beyond the justice system. Through this program, ACG connects graduates of juvenile justice programs with one-on-one instruction at their public school programs, rehearsal space at The Rosette for ensembles outside of school, and new performance opportunities.
This year, the program began with two extraordinary students, referred through the probation department and JJAEP.
Last weekend, these two incredible young men performed at The Rosette and spoke with us about their experiences.
Our Director of Juvenile Justice Education, Hector Aguilar, shared a bit about the start of this program,
“This year we got student referrals from the probation department in their search for programs that see graduates be successful rather than just fulfill court mandates.
Our goal is to have their monthly rehearsals become weekly and to host community concerts and essentially this will replace any community service requirements that they need to fulfill.
So with that being said, we’re here to celebrate two incredible young men. They have shown us what is possible when real talent meets effort and when a little structure and support is met with real courage and commitment. I’m very proud of these two students. They represent the heart of why we do what we do, why ACG believes in long term relationships, in second chances, in the power that music has to connect people to uplift and to transform. So today we’re here to honor their journey, their growth and the beauty that they bring to this world through their music.”
On stage with Hector was one of the teaching artists that works closely with students in these programs, Francisco De La Rosa. He shared:
“I want highlight the courage these two young men possess. Being so young, getting here at The Rosette on Saturdays by public transportation is a lot of responsibility. I know at that age I couldn’t navigate the city that way and it takes a few bus stops to get here but they make it happen because they love what they do. I appreciate their dedication to this program.”
Both students took the stage to perform solo guitar pieces they had worked on throughout the year. And both shared their stories on the power of music and the strength it takes to change.
The first student connected with ACG at an alternative school, he shared how this connection began for him,
“I really liked the instructor, Mr. Aguilar is pretty cool. He has some jokes here and there, he even had the jeopardy fail on the guitar so that kind of piqued my interest. I resonated with the group in a way because I was watching people play guitar since I was a kid but I never had a way to learn but I managed to turn my mistake into an opportunity and I got to play guitar with these people. My experience with them was pretty cool. It gave me a sense of purpose in a way, it made me believe that I can be more than my mistakes and it allowed me to make new friends.”
For the second student, the guitar became a way for him to overcome some personal hurdles, he shared,
“Once I completed my anger management treatment, I thought of ways that could help me process my feelings and I thought maybe guitar could. I already kind of knew how to play but I opened myself up to learn more. I decided to apply for ACG’s classes and we learned how to read music and basic things and now, I find it pretty easy. When they give me a harder piece to learn I’m now able to get it done in like two-three weeks. No matter what, I keep trying and practicing. And now when I get angry, I try to cool down a bit and pick up the guitar and play pieces that make me feel relaxed so I feel proud that I made it this far and I’m still looking forward to getting better and enjoying life.”
Over time, both students grew in skill and confidence. They learned complex pieces. They performed in front of their peers, families, and former teachers. They even began to see futures for themselves that once felt out of reach.
They each shared how being in this program helped them in their lives outside of guitar, here’s what they said:
Student 1: “When we played as an ensemble together at the Pleasant Hill Library earlier this year, I was really proud. I managed to make my mom smile.
At school this program helped me become a better leader to my peers, and I don’t want to sound braggy but I played better than most of my peers so that helped me not only push them further but actually help them if they needed it.
It helped me grow as a person. At home, it brought me closer to my little brother because he always wanted to learn the guitar but neither of us knew how, so now I at least know a little bit to pass down to him. I made my mother proud of me again. I messed up and got here but I managed to come back from it, maybe not stronger but I managed to recuperate little by little. It helped build that aspect of a family and even if he might not show it a lot, I know it made my dad proud of me again also. He lets me know I’m doing better and in my eyes that’s a great gift.”
Student 2: “This experience really helped me control my anger. Before I used to argue and fight and just make bad decisions but now I find myself to be a lot more relaxed, positive, and a jokester. I see a huge difference. Originally being so negative, having anger issues, just not caring about what other people said, Im different now. I feel proud that I have people that try to give me life-advice like my teachers. I take advantage of it because I don’t really get that much from my parents because I’m not that open with them. I feel pretty proud about how my life is right now, I have good friends and teachers and I get to be me in a positive way.”
Student 1 ended the conversation with some beautiful advice that he would give himself and others who were just starting their journey with the guitar,
“Good things take time. You’re not going to get it right away, especially if you’re a beginner but don’t forget to do your spider exercises and have fun with it. Try to do what you can to the best of your ability. You’re gonna get it eventually.”
At ACG, we believe in second chances. We believe in relationships that last. And most of all, we believe in the power of music to help people reconnect—to themselves, to their families, and to the world around them.
This new program is just the beginning. But thanks to these two young men—and the many others who will follow—it’s already a beautiful beginning.
We’re proud of these young artists, we’re proud of our dedicated and driven team of educators, and we’re grateful for the community of supporters who make this work possible.
Learn more about ACG Juvenile Justice Education here.