Detroit Harmony: Fostering Music Connections
By: LaToya Cross
Through a collaborative relationship with the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD), high-school students from Crescendo Detroit and Detroit Harmony joined the U-M Concert Band for a one-night only collegiate-level concert at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor.
It was an experience like no other expressed Nathaniel and Gabriel Sharp, brothers, and bandmates in the DSO’s Civic Youth Symphonic Band, under the conductorship of Damien Crutcher, Managing Director, Detroit Harmony.
“Being in the same environment, hearing their professional sound, and playing with college students was like a slice of college life,” said Nathaniel, clarinetist. “They’re a great group of people playing together with one sound."
“ It was fun. You’re playing with people who are still learning, but in an advanced way, and they were very open and free to share cool tips on ways to get better. Sharing knowledge and wisdom with other people is one of the things that’s very important. ”
Gabe, trombone
This is music education at its best: mentorship and community–key themes found at the heart of Detroit Harmony. The DSO initiative, spearheaded by Crutcher and the DSO’s Learning and Engagement team, is not only on a mission to put an instrument in the hand of every student who wants to play but also looks to plug those students into education programs that nurture their growth.
Crutcher, an unapologetic advocate for creative ecosystems that encourage citywide collaboration, is also the founder and CEO of Crescendo Detroit. Carefully nurtured connections throughout metro Detroit and a longstanding relationship with U-M's SMTD department, opened the doors for participating students to access the reality of what pursuing music on a professional level can lead to.
Conversations about uniting the three groups were had months in advance of their performance date, developing from the shared desire of Crutcher and Courtney Snyder (U-M associate professor of music and associate director of bands) to create pathways for students nearing graduation to gain interest in attending the University of Michigan.
Planning went into action and by early-spring, students were meeting on the U-M campus, touring the grounds, bonding with musicians over lunch, and rehearsing for the big day.
“Constantly practicing and learning a lot of music, there was definitely a lot on our minds," says Nate.
“But it’s easy to make friends with musicians, not because of the instrument you play, but because it’s just how we communicate and how we react to one another,” Gabe says. “And Mr. Crutcher is one of my favorite conductors and people. He’s funny but also makes sure you know what you’re doing in this music and makes it enjoyable while learning.”
That’s why this group of students were ready and well-equipped for a performance at the collegiate level. The repertoire for the March concert included:
Norman Dello Joio, Variants on a Mediaeval Tune; Mason Bates, Mothership; Kevin Day, Dancing Fire; Ludwig von Beethoven, Rondino; Drew Bonner, Deep, Dark Night; and Percy Grainger, Ye Banks and Braes and Spoon River
Crutcher says, “I think visiting the University of Michigan and playing in the concert band with 40 U-M, high-level music students, collaborating, being on campus, performing at the world-famous Hill Auditorium—all of it just broadened their horizons and let them know what is possible, and that this is for them."
The experience served as another source of inspiration and growth for the Sharp brothers’ vision to expand their musical pursuits. Nate is eager to enhance his musical education and add jazz and the alto saxophone to his talent arsenal. “I’m already going over charts for the CYE jazz audition,” he says. His first love though is composing a symphony orchestra—Big Band style—with jazz elements. “I have a lot of ideas, so I’ve stepped up to the plate and am writing stuff down; working to hone my skills.”
Gabe is working toward his future as a music producer. “I like making digital music. I listen to as much music as I can. Music is just fun—it has colors, words, depth. When I make music, I’m also learning how to create different genres with it.”
The brothers give credit to the community and mentorship found in CYE and Detroit Harmony as guiding posts to their journeys.
They share: “This place, with all the sectionals and people, feels free.”
