A member of the Westchester Orchestra for 15 years, Martin Agee is a true musician, an expert in his field. He served as the principal violinist for different renowned orchestras and performed with legendary musicians, both in the classical and contemporary areas. This time he plays for an unusual audience.
But this time, Martin performed for a different and unusual audience. And he’s been playing the violin for them for more than two years now.
His audience can’t clap to show their appreciation, but they do wag their tails, howl occasionally, and give their full attention to him when he plays.
Playing For An Unusual Audience
Martin started playing the violin for the rescued dogs at the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center (ARC) through a unique program called ASPCA Storytelling Program.
He initially wanted to perform for the canines after grieving the loss of his beloved dog, Melody. Then he involved himself in volunteering for general support.
Soon after, ASPCA created the storytelling program in partnership with the New York Police Department (NYPD). The program aims to socialize rescue dogs from different backgrounds.
Martin quickly took an interest in it and began to explore all the beautiful opportunities this program has.
He saw the soothing effect that reading does on dogs – the neglected, abused, and suffered traumatic experiences. So he thought he could also do something special that many others don’t and offer the same calming effect by playing his instrument.
And as the melodies of Bach and Mozart filled the rooms and hallways of the shelter, the initially enthusiastic dogs fall into silence and listen to the music. For Martin, it was a powerful experience.
One of the shelter dogs was supposed to go for a walk during Martin’s mini-performance. When he heard the music, he stopped to listen intently to the music. It was not until the piece was over that the dog moved on.
Unusual Audiences in Unusual Locations
Throughout Martin Agee’s musical career, he performed in the best concert halls in the world, including the infamous Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House. Still, nothing struck him more than seeing dogs on different phases of recovery, listening, and appreciating his music.
The ASPCA shelter dogs may be one of the lucky few who gets the opportunity to hear him play. But Martin is the one who feels fortunate about it. Sometimes he had to hold back his tears because he witnessed the powerful effect of music.
Who would have thought that music is not only appreciated by humans? Who would have thought that the beauty of music can extend to others that need comfort and healing, such as dogs?
Watch this fantastic musician’s story here:
You do not have to be a gifted artist or musician to help shelter dogs. https://happymutt.org/shelter-dog-adoption/
Source: ASPCA via YouTube