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.
I just left lunch with Hector Aguilar, our Director of Juvenile Justice Education here at ACG. I was so inspired by our conversation that I rushed home to write this letter to you.
Hector runs our programs for court-involved youth in Travis County’s Gardner Betts Detention Center and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs, as well as Williamson County’s Juvenile Services, and Dallas County’s Henry Wade and Medlock facilities. Over lunch he told me a series of amazing stories of young people in difficult circumstances reaching above and beyond through music. My heart was racing.
One story Hector told me was of a conversation he had recently with a young man at one of the facilities. He’s been participating in guitar for several months, finding joy, and improving as a musician. He stopped Hector after their class to ask if it would be possible for his younger brother to get involved in guitar as well.
“I’m worried about him,” the student said. “He’s getting involved in some things he shouldn’t be, and I think guitar could really help him like it’s helped me.”
In all my years in and around education I’ve seen a lot of young people do amazing things with music. But it’s less common, I’ve found, to have awareness around oneself of the broader benefits being developed. As Hector was describing the interaction, I was blown away by the perspective exhibited by this young musician, and his care and hopes for his brother.
Thank you so much for your belief in ACG and in the power of music to help youth in our community.
