Melodica Men

What started off as two guys playing toy instruments in the basement is now an internationally-acclaimed musical duo. Tristan Clarke and Joe Buono became friends while studying music at the Peabody Conservatory, and they have been playing melodica together since May 2016. A melodica is like a cross between a keyboard and a harmonica because you have to blow into it to make the reeds inside vibrate.

Last summer, the Melodica Men funded their tour of Seattle and Paris by busking in the street. In September 2016, their Rite of Spring video went viral and gained over 1.5 million views in one day. In December 2016, they played their solo debut with the Jacksonville Symphony at the Holiday Pops concert series. You can find the Melodica Men on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Tristan is a graduate of the Juilliard School and plays principal trumpet with the Jacksonville Symphony. Joe has earned two Masters degrees from the Peabody Conservatory and is currently composing and teaching.