CLAYTON, Mo. — Several inmates at the St. Louis County Justice Center in Clayton Tuesday experienced a live performance of classical piano and violin as part of an introduction to a new music initiative.

St. Louis County officials announced the launch of Melodies of Hope, a new music education program designed to empower those who are incarcerated through the transformative power of music.

“The goal is to be able to introduce them to music whether it’s the violin or the piano,” said Kito Bess, director of St. Louis County Justice Center.

“Most importantly, (what) we want (them) to be able to take out of this is how to channel all of that negative energy, all of that trauma that folks experience because music has a way of bringing everything to a sense of calmness.”

It’s not every day inmates experience a live musical performance.

“We wanted to give residents an opportunity to see something different; expose them to something different, so that hopefully we can inspire them to want to do something different upon their release,” Bess said.

The women inmates who heard and watched the performance erupted in applause at the end of each song.

“If you noticed, there was a lot of quietness while the music was playing and they were very attentive and that’s a good thing,” Bess said.

As part of the new initiative, a piano lab will be installed on the fifth floor by the nonprofit, Pianos For People. On the fourth floor, Suzuki Harmony STL will be offering violin lessons. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Maryville University have partnered to help with the program.

Melodies of Hope’s first group of 10 residents will begin piano and violin lessons in March. The lessons will be guided by expert instructors and supported by therapeutic methodologies.

“It is a pilot project. We have to prove that it can work,” said Melinda Allen, corrections program development coordinator.

The program will include group instruction once a week, as well as practice time throughout the week. Allen said program officials are trying to recruit college musicians to lead practice sessions.

“If we can prove it works, then we can make it bigger,” Allen said.

Inmate Adosia Mason said Tuesday’s performance was beautiful and powerful, adding that it was a very meaningful experience.

“I think the program is awesome,” she said. “Being a violinist and a pianist is a rare thing, so I feel like it’s something very fun.”

Mason said she will apply for the classes if she is still at the Justice Center in March.

Inmate Sarah Carpenter said Tuesday’s performance was inspirational, adding,

“It’s strange to see something like that around here,” she said. “It’s not an everyday occurrence, but it was really nice.”

She mentioned that the live performance was an escape.

“It just reminds you that you are still a part of society,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter said she thinks the new program can help some of the men and women incarcerated at the Justice Center.

If she is still at the Justice Center in March, Carpenter said she will apply for the program.

Inmates can learn more about the program through their tablets. They can alert their case manager if interested in applying for the classes.