Internationally acclaimed clarinetist David Krakauer and his band performed a lively klezmer music concert for juveniles in non-secure detention on Feb. 25th. Nearly 100 young people at the Department of Juvenile Justice's Summit School enjoyed the live performance, which included an extended set of original interactive works, instrument demonstrations and resident participation.

The concert is part of a Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute (WMI) pilot program called Musical Connections, which provides a wide variety of live music experiences to people dealing with challenging social and emotional circumstances in New York City hospitals, hospices, correctional and juvenile facilities, shelters, and elderly care facilities. The 2009-2010 season schedule, currently underway, includes approximately 60 free musical events, with three at Department of Juvenile Justice facilities.

To address the needs of the concert audiences, the program's roster of performing artists have been specially selected and trained to present concerts, workshops, and residencies. Partnerships with non-traditional concert venues throughout New York City have flourished during the pilot program, resulting in plans for an expanded Musical Connections program during the upcoming 2010-2011 season. In addition to presenting concerts, musicians have also led residencies, using creative music making activities to work with residents in these unique settings to create new songs and participatory performances. 

The WMI concerts at DJJ are part an ongoing residence program for youth, where musicians spend a week working with juveniles in detention to provide music education, foster the creation of original works and enable participating juveniles to demonstrate their talents in concert for all facility residents.

WMI musicians spent a week with residents at the Horizon Juvenile Center, performing a live evening concert for detained youth on Friday, February 19th. The David Krakauer concert capped the second residence, provided for youth in non-secure detention. A third musical residence is scheduled for Crossroads Juvenile Center in late March/early April.

DJJ's Director of Programs Sonia Galarza said: "Music is so important to culture, expression and education. The Musical Connections program has exposed our residents to musical styles that are entirely new to them, and they've really enjoyed it. We're so happy Carnegie Hall included DJJ in this innovative pilot program."

David Krakauer, one of the foremost musicians of the new wave of klezmer, is known for his mastery of myriad styles including classical chamber music, Eastern European Jewish klezmer music, and avant-garde improvisation.