Bruce Harris ’05, ’09

—”Through the mentorship of my professors, I was given the encouragement and guidance to become a professional musician and, through their example, a responsible man.”—

Bruce Harris MusB ’05, MM ’09, is a musician, trumpet player, performer, and composer based in New York City.

“I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a great career as a musician touring all over the world as a sideman and as a leader of my own bands.” He has performed in two Broadway shows–After Midnight and Shuffle Along.

He’s performed with a range of notable performers in various genres, including jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Jon Baptiste, Harry Connick Jr, and pop artists such as Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Babyface, Toni Braxton, DJ Premiere, and Jay Rock to name a few.

“I am forever grateful for my experience as a student at Purchase College. As a city boy from the Bronx, it was my first exposure to the beauty of nature. I made so many friends from all walks of life. It’s where I developed my skills, and explored my creativity and identity as a musician.”

Harris released Soundview in 2021, a studio album with his quartet. Joining Harris is Sullivan Fortner on piano, David Wong on bass, Aaron Kimmel on drums, and fellow alum vocalist Samara Joy ’21, who guests on two tracks.