Welcome To
HARMONY BRIDGE
HISTORY AND MISSION
In 2010, Michael Levine and the Dallas Brass created Harmony Bridge, a three-tiered, small ensemble music program focusing on community outreach, primarily targeting the senior community. The three-tiered concept includes:
Musicianship — Playing at a high level, individually and as an ensemble
Showmanship — Engaging audiences with a thoughtful and creative presentation
Interaction — Visiting with audience members following the performance
A library of music was created to serve the mission of Harmony Bridge. The library includes 70 traditional folk songs, arranged for small ensembles. Each piece was chosen to connect with the senior community, but are familiar and loved by all ages.
Alexander's Ragtime Band
A Tisket, A Tasket
Alouettte Meets Itsy Bitsy Spider
Amazing Grace
America
America Medley
American Patrol March
Arkansas Traveler
Aura Lee
Banana Boat Song
Bicycle Built for Two
Bill Bailey
Cohan Classics
Colonel Bogey March
Cookies 'n' Cream
Down by the Riverside
Frere Jacques
Go Tell Aunt Rhodie
He's Got the Whole World
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Home on the Range
Jingle Bells
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Let Me Call You Sweetheart
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Little Brown Jug
Liza Jane
London Bridge Rocks!
Marianne
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Ode to Joy
Red River Valley
Sailing, Sailing
Shenandoah
Skip to My Lou
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Swingle Little Star
The Entertainer
The Muffin Man
The Star-Spangled Banner
The Thunderer March
This Old Man
Three Blind Mice March
Twinkling Star
Up on the Housetop
When the Saints Go Marching In
Yankee Doodle Dandy
and more!
"The Harmony Bridge concept is a welcome addition to music education! I’ve been hiring and producing small groups at Disneyland for over 40 years. No matter how well the kids play, the key is their ability to create their own entity, and to rehearse and polish and execute. And it’s not only the music, but showmanship…it’s all about entertainment. That’s exactly what Harmony Bridge is teaching."
Stanford Freese
Former Talent Casting and Booking Director
Disneyland
INDEPENDENT MUSICIANSHIP
Harmony Bridge focuses on independent musicianship – teaching students to teach themselves and each other; developing their skills in listening, assessment, and creative problem-solving. The arrangements are very accessible in range and technique so the focus can be on playing musically and with good fundamentals.
LEVELS
Beginner: 3 parts (like-instruments or mixed instruments) optional percussion
Intermediate: 4 parts plus percussion*
Advanced: 5 parts plus percussion*
*percussion can be optional but is recommended
SHOWMANSHIP
The Harmony Bridge method addresses showmanship as well as musicianship; teaching the difference between being a player and being a performer; understanding the importance of connecting with the audience. Clearly these are life skills which go far beyond the music.
FLEXIBLE INSTRUMENTATION
Pieces allow for various instrument combinations which develops a sensitivity to balance, particularly when combining woodwinds with brass. Since there are parts for all instruments, the music can also be rehearsed and performed as a full band.
NAVIGATION GUIDE
The Trio book, in score form, uses highlighted staves for easy navigation. All books use RED brackets to identify melody which is constantly passed from player to player. The Intermediate and Advanced books useadditional brackets for parallel and similar harmony lines, countermelodies, and other important material to be brought out.
FUN TO PLAY AND HEAR
Songs are essentially melody and accompaniment; different styles, toe-tapping, familiar tunes. Everyone gets the melody, interesting parts throughout and builds musical confidence and self-esteem.
20 songs, 3 part like-instruments or mixed instruments;
Optional percussion
Single Book - $15.00
Score - $20.00
25 songs, 4 parts plus percussion
Single Book - $12.50
Double Books - $15.00
Score - $30.00
25 songs, 5 parts plus percussion
Single Book - $12.50
Double Books - $15.00
Score - $30.00
The Next Step...
Use the calendar below to book a ZOOM or PHONE appointment so we can guide you through the process of bringing Harmony Bridge into your program.
Questions or Comments?