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Classical music composition class enriches Bay Area jail
A new classical music composition program has changed the lives of a number of inmates serving time at a Bay Area jail. They recently gathered to listen to performances of pieces they composed themselves, after completing their classes at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with retired Correctional Lieutenant Liana Whisler and Program Manager Sergeant Jennifer Aicega about how the class came about and what it aims to accomplish.
SANTA ROSA, Calif. - A new program brought musical composition to the Sonoma County Jail.
Video taken by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat shows an incarcerated man listening to music he wrote being played by a string quartet across the country in New York.
A total of 11 men took part in the 10-week program.
Organizers say that learning to write and read music unlocks a new world for people behind bars.
"You can see it in their faces that it gives them hope," said retired Lt. Liana Whisler. "They hear what they wrote. It was so impactful."
The class is offered through the non-profit, called Project Music Heals Us.
Sonoma County Jail officials said they hope to offer the program to incarcerated women next year.