Youth Program Brings Kids Together In Music by Antonia Nedder, Hometown Weekly A Needham couple is giving countless teens a chance to fulfill their dreams. 'Plugged In,' a program started by Sandra Rizkallah and Tom Pugh, brings kids ages 11 - 19 together for the chance to play in a band and give back to the community. According to Rizkallah, she and her husband wanted to teach kids "that music can be a wonderful way to help the world and give back." With their own teenage daughters, they were aware that plenty of teens want to join a band but often don't know where to start. Plugged In gives kids a chance to realize their dream of playing in a band, while providing instruction and guidance along the way. The program culminates in a live benefit concert, enabling band members to use their talents and give back to the community. Kids who are interested in joining the program submit an application listing such information as the type of instrument they play, their age, and the type of music they enjoy. Rizkallah and Pugh take the applications and group the kids into bands based on similar responses. Participants in the program meet once a week to practice with their band and receive guidance and instruction from Pugh, who has a musical background. Band members vote on the songs they would like to work on, and original music is encouraged. In addition, the participants list several charitable organizations that they are interested in supporting. At the end of the semester, all bands perform at a live concert to benefit the charity chosen by a majority of participants. Most recently, the Plugged In concert benefited the I Love Music Foundation and Bring Back the Music. Plugged In began in 2002 and has put together 15 different bands since that time. The program runs from September to December and then again from January to June, with a summer session as well. Professional musicians are invited each semester to join the kids at the benefit concert. The June concert was held at the impressive Regent Theater in Arlington and featured four Plugged In bands, three Boston bands, singer/songwriter Noam Weinstein, and a special appearance by Doug Flutie's band. Walter McCarty of the Boston Celtics, who started the I Love Music Foundation, was on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of the Plugged In youth. In addition to the benefit concerts, Plugged In participates in the community by performing at street fairs and the Needham Fourth of July parade. Participants in the program come from a number of towns, including Needham, Wellesley, Newton and Dedham. According to Rizkallah, the Plugged In program strives to build kids up, rather than criticize. "It's a very supportive environment," she explains. "The kids encourage each other. ThereÕs no competition, no judgment." The program naturally teaches the kids to work as a group, and shows them that their goal of performing in a band can be realized. Rizkallah and Pugh have donated much of their time and talent to start the program and make it a success. "It's immensely rewarding," says Rizkallah. Participants gain self confidence and self esteem by playing in a band, and the result is that they feel good about themselves. Rizkallah and Pugh have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of that process. "They give us so much happiness," she says. Thirteen-year-old Katharine Seggerman joined Plugged In last September, after reading about it in her school newspaper. She plays the drums and the bass, and enjoyed the experience of forming a band and playing at a concert. "The environment is really laid back so you can feel comfortable," she says. Michael Grasso, age eleven, joined Plugged In as a guitarist and was encouraged to try vocals as well. "I wouldn't have known that I can sing if I hadn't started. It's really opened up a new world for me," Michael explains. He also appreciated the opportunity to give back to the community. "It's great knowing that youÕre playing and raising money for charity. It's a great feeling." Nina Bellio, a vocalist who plays keyboard, had always wanted to be in a band but didn't know how to find or start one. Plugged In gave her that opportunity, as well as the opportunity to see her original song, "Ocean Tide," performed with a full band. According to her mother Jill, it was a very fulfilling experience. "She's been writing songs since the third grade. It was exactly the outlet that she needed." Bellio credits Rizkallah and Pugh for the success of the program. "They are so dedicated to this. They're fantastic." Anyone between the ages of 11 and 19 who plays an instrument or sings and would like to join a band can apply to be a part of Plugged In. Bands that are already formed but would like some guidance are also welcome to participate. Check out the Plugged In website at www.pluggedinband.org or call Sandra Rizkallah at 781-956-4281 for more information. PRESS menu