Identical Harmony - Symphony Shine Time: Focus on the Brass

As reviewed in PARENTING MAGAZINE, May 2002, 'Wiggle your limbs like Presto the Porpoise, Largo the Tortoise, and other animal pals to learn about tempos and rhythms...an entertaining disk.' The PARENTS' CHOICE GOLD AWARD reviewer states 'This CD will introduce listeners to music terminology but more importantly help children awaken to the flights of imagination that makes music possible. This is music education for the young at it's very best.' Identical Harmony consists of identical twin producers, performers, composers and educators Linda Sebenius and Lisa G. Cole, who have been successfully marketing their unique programs and products for more than seven years. Contracted by the Seattle Symphony for the 2000-2003 seasons, Identical Harmony has programmed and performed over 25 sold out shows for the Symphonies Tiny Tots Series. Modeled after the exciting brass program from this series, this is Identical Harmony's third CD project and is the first in the Symphony Series whose target audience is children ages one through twelve, families and educators. The internationally known touring brass group, the Canadian Brass, is the featured brass ensemble for the recording. In addition, the Shine Symphony, made up of 25 Symphony musicians, add beautiful orchestral timbres to this project. You'll also hear the sounds of the Shine Singers, a childrens choir of the highest caliber. On this CD, the listener is guided through a tapestry of original, child-friendly songs and inspiring classical excerpts, with narration throughout touching on basic music concepts of melody, rhythm, fast and slow. According to Dr. Carol Scott-Kassner, founding board member of the Early Childhood Commission of ISME (Internation Society of Music Education), 'I would encourage every parent and grandparent of young children as well as early childhood educators to purchase this recording.' A review by Dr. Patricia Campbell, Music Education Deparment Chair, University of Washington, Author of Songs in their Heads. Dr. Campbell states: 'To you both for the beautiful CD you have produced. It is spectacular! The musicianship and sound engineering are of highest quality, so that the recording is truly a blessing to hear. Narrations are short, sweet, to the point, with high enthusiasm and child-like wonder, perfect for setting up children's listening ears! Arrangements are stunning, as are the compositions. 'Best in One Another' brought me tears. What a song for the times! If little children were to listen and sing this song, maybe we'd have more love and tolerance in this world. So sweet, so necessary, this song! I loved the arrangements of 'Bumblebee', 'The Swan', and 'Hungarian Dance'. They are full of musical character, and will win over the hearts of parents and adults as well who want their children to listen and learn something of the classics. You are doing wonderful work, and I am so pleased and proud of you, and excited for what you are giving to the world!'

1) Let Your Music Shine
2) The Symphony
3) Meet the Brass
4) Great Gates of Kiev
5) Presto ; Largo
6) I'm Presto
7) Safe Inside
8) Best in One Another
9) Dance with Presto and Largo
10) Flight of the Bumblebee
11) The Swan
12) Celebration Music
13) Hungarian Dance No. 5
14) Symphony Shine Time!