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Hillbridge was formed in the summer of 1996 by James Leyden and J. Marc Svaline. Both of these educators have been involved in the steel drum art form for many years. Their steel bands have played at every major educational music convention in the United States and performed in Europe on several occasions. To encourage and assist in the development of successful steel drum programs in schools, universities and communities, these two men saw a need for steel band music selected and arranged for the educational market. The result is Hillbridge, dedicated to the promotion of steel drums as legitimate concert instruments. The improvement in the crafting and tuning of today's steel drums has added new dimensions to their sound quality. Ellie Mannette's dream of steel drum ensembles playing elegant and beautiful music can at long last be realized. The Hillbridge New Directions Music Catalog features not only the high energy music of Trinidad's Carnival but also a range of music world-wide which celebrates the advanced tonal possibilities of the modern instruments. It is a unique collection including Latin, Folk, Pop, Jazz, Socas, Calypsos, and Classics arranged by some of the most creative people in the art form. Of particular interest to choral directors and to further integrate the music curriculum, Hillbridge offers many arrangements combining steel drums with vocal and instrumental ensembles...