From hip hop to country, young people love their music. An innovative program integrating music into the therapeutic environment is under development and being lead by Rickey “Deekon” Jones. The impetus of this program is to reach the youth where they are at – through whatever vehicle makes sense. Born into the Nez Perce Nation, this 25-year old audio engineer and recording artist brings a deep commitment to the empowerment of struggling youth. Life growing up on the reservation brought the power of ancestry and the reality of oppression. Deekon knows what it means to struggle as a young man. His dream is to provide a safe zone where youth can express their inner struggles and realities through music, “…a place where young people have someone to lean on with their troubles and can find support in their life.”
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Deekon began his career as an audio engineer, mixing beats and recording. His full palate of talent includes that of a recording artist; writing, producing, mixing and recording his own music in addition to live performances. Deekon’s first album will be distributed in 2011 by Universal Records. Terral Lay, also an experienced performing artist, came on board with the Music Program to help the residents develop their stage presence and to work with choreography. The program has been so well received, and the residents are very proud of what they have created. They frequently play their music for the Board of Directors and their recordings have been shared at some state-level conferences. In an effort to show the residents how much their personal efforts are appreciated and encouraged, in December 2010 the Board of Directors presented the residents with 2 electric guitars, drums, and percussion instruments to aid them in their recordings. |
Rickey "Deekon" Jones, Nez Perce Tribe member and
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We have received many inquiries about how to develop a music program at other treatment programs. Click on the link Developing a Music Program on the side bar to the left to find out information that can help you get started.
Resident (left) works on lyrics in the gym |
Dr. Martina Whelshula, Executive Director, took on the Music Program as her pet project to help get it off the ground. She says “the youth have responded so positively to making music – it helps them to get their thoughts out there and process them. Deekon and Terral have a wonderful rapport and talent working with the kids to help increase their self-esteem.” Since joining the music program, Geoff Schlosser has added his talents as an audio engineer and has helped in production of the second CD "Perception."
