frederic yonnet || harmonica front & center

Harmonic[Art]

Originally established in 2002 as a educational seminar funded by the DC Arts Commission, Harmic[Art] has since grown into an organization committed to fostering a greater appreciation, awareness and understanding of the harmonica. The mission is carried out through the presentation of original educational programs, captivating concerts and informative clinics, workshops and masterclasses. The objective of Harmonic[Art] programming is to promote the harmonica's contributions to all genres of music and to highlight its ongoing vitality and relevance as an art form.

In response to needs for supplementary music arts programs, Harmonic[Art] partners with community arts commissions and institutions to present entertaining and educational programs for people of all ages and music levels. Harmonic[Art] engages participants with demonstrations and discussions that go beyond the traditional applications of the instrument. All programs include audience participation and post-show Q&A. Participants are encouraged to bring their own harmonicas or they can be purchased at wholesale cost through Harmonic[Art].

Facilitators
Frédéric Yonnet is Harmonic[Art]'s resident artist. Depending on the program, he can conduct the sessions with or without his quintet. Several guest facilitators are available, including Lee Oskar, Howard Levy and Will Galison. Contact FYI Music Group to design a program specific to your organization's needs.

Harmonic[Art] Educational Programs

HarpMania for Kidz
For children, ages 6-12
45-60 mins
Most kids receive a harmonica when they are young, but few are ever exposed to all the fun and creative sounds that can come from the instrument. Kids will learn a brief history of the harmonica and play games that help them become familiar with the names, faces and music of some of the great harmonica innovators, from Sonny Terry to Toots Thielemans. A mini-concert, featuring popular music ranging from Barney to Britney Spears, will demonstrate how the harmonica can be incorporated into music that kids enjoy. Kids with harmonicas are invited to bring them.

Blow Out! Harmonica Masterclass
For middle and high school music students, enthusiasts (non-harmonica players)
60 minutes
This forum provides non-harmonica players with a mind-opening experience that will expand the way they view the harmonica. The session includes a mini-concert that features the harmonica as a lead instrument on various styles of music, including jazz, gospel, r&b, pop and rap. Using the expressive sounds of the harmonica, the facilitator will offer insight into the history and social conditions that shaped the instrument's musical contributions. The session includes demonstrations of various techniques, including bends, puckers, overblows, blocking, vibratos and use of hands, as applied to various genres of music.

Seniors Sessions
For Seniors, ages 50 and older
60 minutes
The harmonica is a very social instrument and participating seniors will learn basic skills that they can maintain by starting their own harmonica club. Senior Sessions, ideal for harmonica players and non-players, includes a mini-concert highlighting the history of the harmonica. Participants will also receive demonstrations of basic skills and techniques including holding the instrument, blowing in single and multiple holes, and basic bends. Interested seniors will be linked up with mentors or representatives from their area SPAH (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica) club.

Reed Your Lips
For Advanced Harmonicists
60-90 minutes
The facilitator will have a chance to "reed" each participants lips when they take part in a jam session designed to provide constructive feedback on various techniques, including bends, puckers, overblows, blocking and vibratos. Participants will share and receive tips for perfecting skills, adjusting reeds and tuning the instrument. They'll also discuss products, acoustic vs. amplified sets, stage performance, and proper sound mix during concerts and recordings.

Fees
In effort to make the Harmonic[Art] programs accessible and affordable, the programs are scheduled to coincide with dates on the facilitators touring schedule. In addition, most of the programs are fully or partially subsidized through Harmonic[Art]'s own funding sources. For more information, call 202.547.8313.

Funding
Harmonic[Art] receives funding and in-kind support from the DC Arts Commission and Weltmeister Harmonicas. If you are interesting in funding all or a portion of a program, please contact HarmonicArt@fredyonnet.com.