El Dorado Correctional Facility
Interactive Concerts: Music & Poetry
At El Dorado Correctional Facility, our chamber music concerts provide a unique opportunity for residents to engage deeply with music and express their emotions through poetry. By writing poetry in response to the music, residents develop emotional intelligence and pro-social behavior, creating a sense of calm and community.
Our program features works by living American composers, offering contemporary musical experiences that inspire creativity. This initiative not only supports modern artists but also encourages residents to explore diverse perspectives through music and poetry.
We collect surveys to track the impact of the program on emotional well-being and stress reduction. This feedback helps us refine our offerings, ensuring they contribute positively to the facility’s environment.
Through the synergy of music and poetry, we are committed to fostering growth and transformation, highlighting our dedication to supporting underserved communities.
Composer Collaborations
Arts Capacity programs showcase works by living American composers, offering contemporary musical experiences that inspire creativity. Arts Capacity is honored to have collaborated with the following living artists at El Dorado Correctional Facility.
- Chad Cannon
- Lucas Richman
- Del’Shawn Taylor
- P. Kellach Waddle
Testimonials
“I believe music is a connector to other around the world. A mother’s cry gave me feelings of a worried mother, a mother who loved yet lost their child. It was a moving piece.”
“I greatly appreciated the moments in the music where there was tension between the instruments because you could see the beauty in those moments. You could almost see the chaos in the darkness and the clarity that comes in the light. It was a nice reminder that something may seem foreign or new at first but that it can bring about growth. Thank you!”
“This was such a wonderful experience. For the first time in the six years in this prison I saw a collection of guys across many demographics intently and attentively participating in an experience unlike most had probably ever encountered. The journey with the musicians in dialogue and explanations helped me “lean in” to the music more because I wanted to hear meaning and intent while also let down my own guard enough to allow feeling and emotion. In prison, vulnerability can be perceived as weakness. Today, that was not the case. Thank you so much!”
“A harmonious sound can relieve the stresses of knowing even though there is no sign of escape, there’s still a chance at forgiveness.”
“Music is a good way to release anger.”
- April 20, 2023
- November 16, 2023
