PRISON CONCERT PROJECT

Responses
Several years ago I was given a gift--a truly unique and life-changing experience.  At the
time I was incarcerated at the New Hampshire State Prison for Women. I was trying
keep my days busy, to learn from my past, and to not lose track of the important things
of life. In the face of the sameness, sadness and pain that exist daily in prison, it is too
easy to get off track. Around me were about a hundred other women, each on their
individual journeys inside the walls.  

I do not remember what kind of notice we were given about Dobbs’ visit to the prison,
only that a musician was coming to play for us, and it was supposed to be funny. His
arrival was greeted with a wide range of reactions, including excitement, doubt,
curiosity, and skepticism. I grew up playing the violin, and was very excited that we
would be hearing a double bass. The double bass is not as well known as some of the
other stringed instruments, so I figured we were in for a treat, but I had no idea…We all
crowded into the rec room in the prison and were introduced to Dobbs, who invited us
on a journey. He began by sharing his excitement that his life’s work (the Bach cello
suites) was finally finished, recorded, and published as a CD. Then, for the next hour, he
played his beautiful music and told funny stories.  He brought us on a journey of
laughter, of joy, and of amazement as his fingers made magic on the strings. For a brief
time, the sadness receded, and we connected with someone from “outside,” someone
who seemed to see us simply as people. For me, his visit was a reminder that there
would be life after prison. He brought hope, and his music gave me new inspiration.

I believe that music can change us; for a moment, for an hour, and sometimes forever. I
believe in the joy music brings, and that it can express deep emotion where words may
fall short. This ability to touch the soul is the gift that Dobbs, through Bach with Verse,
offers to his audience.

Gretchen Fisher, BWV Board Member
Today I am honored to be on the board of directors of
Bach with Verse, and to serve as the secretary. I have
played the violin and have sung on and off for much
of my life. I enjoy music as a form of expression, and
feel it is beneficial for people of all ages and life
experiences to have the opportunity to listen. But what
causes me to believe in the mission of Bach with Verse
is something quite personal.
Photos by Peter Merts courtesy of Bread and Roses.