Building Bridges with Music is a nonprofit organization that uses music and storytelling as tools to promote open mindedness and understanding to combat prejudice. In the 90’s, Jeff Haas (founder) and his jazz quintet were in search of rehearsal space and sought out Detroit schools whose music programs had been pink slipped. Students were invited to attend rehearsals and were quickly drawn to the music, but to the band’s surprise, students were especially curious about the band members’ diversity and how they came to play music together. And thus, the seeds for Building Bridges with Music were planted. Since 2008, BBWM has been a Nonprofit 501c3, and today, Building Bridges with Music tours the entire state of Michigan, serving 700 schools, designing workshops and programs to support youth, elevate their voices, and address pertinent issues that impact our communities and beyond.

The Bridges Mission

Building respect, empathy, and open mindedness

Bridging inequaties 

With peace and love

Through the universal language of Music