Beyond the Notes: The Heart of the iBuildBridges Community
A step away from the instruments, sharing what this journey has meant
At iBuildBridges, our mission has always been to transform individual voices into one vibrant harmony. But if you step behind the curtain or join us in the rehearsal room, you’ll find that the music is only half the story. The real magic lies in the bonds formed between the notes — the mentorship, shared growth, and family we’ve built along the way.
In our latest testimonial video, captured during a soulful night at the Royal Room, our musicians took a moment to step away from their instruments and share what this journey has meant to them. From the seasoned veterans who have been with us since 2018 to the fresh energy of our newest members, the sentiment remains the same: this is a place where we grow not just as artists, but as people.
For Logan Johnson, our newest member, trumpeter, and current high schooler, iBuildBridges offers a first, exhilarating taste of the professional music world. Others, like violinist Tyler Kwak, who has been a pillar of the group since 2018, and drummer Jason Macduff, who joined four years ago, reflect on the profound connection that comes from years of performing together. We hear from Jonathan Beatima, our bassist since 2022, on the joy of playing at diverse locations, and Ayana Freeman, whose vocals help anchor our message of unity.
The evening was also a poignant one for our guitarist Mateo Leguizamon, who shared the bittersweet reality of his final performance with the group; a reminder that while members may move on to new chapters, the "bridge" remains. Finally, our pianist Steph Filippov brings it all home with a heartfelt thank you to you, our community of donors and concert-goers, who make this entire ecosystem possible.
This video is a window into the soul of our organization. It’s a testament to the fact that when we build bridges, we aren't just creating a setlist; we’re creating a home.

