Podcasts about civic orchestra

The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. This episode is brought to you by the Colburn School's Brass Institute Program. Intermediate and advanced Brass students aged 13 to 22 are invited to join the Colburn School's 2-week Brass Institute this summer, for an immersive experience of the best the brass world has to offer! Led by some of today's most active and respected brass artists, the program features large brass ensemble, chamber music, rhythm workshops, and master classes. Taking place from July 8th to 19th in Downtown LA. Visit www.colburnschool.edu/summer to apply. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Ingemar Roos, trombonist and teacher from ... Stockholm, Sweden.   About Ingemar: After organist degree from Stockholm he studied trombone with Palmer Traulsen in Copenhagen, with Denis Wick at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and with Jay Friedman in Chicago. He was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, were he also had lessons with Arnold Jacobs. 1971 he became principal trombone at the Norwegian Opera in Oslo. 1978 principal trombone with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, National Orchestra of Sweden. Been a member of the avantgarde group The Culture Quartet with Folke Rabe, and been a member of Edward Tarr Baroque Ensemble. After 45 years of service in teaching he is Professor Emeritus from the Norwegian State Academy of Music in Oslo and from the Gothenburg University School of Music. He has more than 85 former students in professional jobs after winning auditions. Ingemar Roos has served on the International Trombone Association, (ITA) festivals numerous times on the faculty as soloist, clinician, lecturer and conductor. At the year 2000 ITA Festival he recieved the Neill Humfeld award for "Excellence in trombone teaching". In international trombone competitions he has been a member of jury in Grenchen, Porcia 4 times, Toulon and Markneukirchen. Ingemar Roos has been guest teaching at seminars, courses and giving classes at such schools as Northwestern Univ., Roosevelt Univ. HDK in Berlin, Hanns Eisler in Berlin, in several music academies in Athens Greece, Musikhochschule in Hannover, Codart in Rotterdam, Music Conservatory in Lyon, Geneva Music Academy and music academies in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Malmö, Stockholm, Helsinki, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromso, Riga, St. Petersburg and others. Also done seminars and courses like Biba International Brass Week, Italian Brass Week, Lieksa Brass Week, Posaunentäge Berlin, low brass seminar in Galicia, Tirol Klang in Austria, Bergsted Brass Festival in Stavanger and others. Also coaching youth orchestras such as Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, Baltic Youth Philharmonic, Norwegian Youth Orchestra and Orkester Norden, as well as professional ensembles and sections in ensemble playing techniques and in concerts such as Malmö Opera Brass, Gothenburg Opera Brass, Odense Symph. Orch. Brass, Stavanger Symph. Orch. Brass, Trondheim Symph. Orch. Brass, Royal Opera Stocholm Brass, Swedish Chamber Orch. Winds, Gävle Symph. Orch. Brass and others.

The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world.  Today's episode features Greg Roosa, 2nd horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. About Greg: Gregory Roosa was appointed Second Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic by Gustavo Dudamel in September 2012. Prior to that he held the Fourth Horn position in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra beginning in 2003. His previous positions include Fourth Horn with the Kennedy Center Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and Fourth Horn with the Colorado Symphony in Denver. A native of Troy, Michigan, Roosa attended the University of Illinois and studied with Ralph Froelich at the University of South Florida. In 1992, he moved to Chicago to study with Dale Clevenger, Principal Horn of the Chicago Symphony. He was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for three seasons. Active as a freelance musician in the Chicago area for eight years, Roosa played in the Broadway shows Ragtime, Phantom of the Opera, and Miss Saigon. He also played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including a European tour and two recordings. Roosa has appeared as soloist and clinician at numerous universities and horn workshops around the world. Roosa has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Orchestra in Australia, as well as with the Florida Orchestra and Detroit Symphony in the U.S. He was a member of the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra from 1999 to 2012, where he met his wife, Amy Jo Rhine, the Third Horn of LA Phil. Together they have two young boys, Norton and Sutton.

This morning we hear from all three finalists in the 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, including the winner, steelpan soloist Jaden Teague-Núñez, with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. The post 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition appeared first on WFMT.

The Charlotte Civic Orchestra presents its annual Christmas Extravaganza at the Halton Theater at CPCC’s Uptown Campus. The program features a sixty-piece orchestra, performances by the Charlotte Youth Ballet and Diamond Elite Dancers, the Holiday Singers, and soloists, plus the combined choirs of the Marvin Ridge and Porter Ridge High Schools. Dr. Geoffrey Whitehead, the music director of the Charlotte Civic Orchestra, and Jeff Andler, a member of the Holiday Singers, speak about the challenges and the extraordinary rewards of this yearly labor of love. Learn more about the Charlotte Civic Orchestra's Christmas Extravaganza

Operation New Hope expands into Clay County jail; Jacksonville Music Experience previews two documentaries; UNF teaches about cannabis in health care; the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville gives last performance of season.

Violinist Esme Arias-Kim and cellist Jan Vargas Nedvetsky perform with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago at Symphony Center, plus a look back at Esme & Jan's past solo radio recitals. The post 2023 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition appeared first on WFMT.

Jon Wysong, the Executive Director and trumpet player in the Louisville Civic Orchestra, talks about the orchestra, its members, and their upcoming "Healthcare Heroes" shows and how you can enjoy them...

Composer Nina Shekhar joins us to chat about her work exploring identity, vulnerability, love, and laughter in her work and her process for exploring such complex aspects of humanity in seemingly mundane experiences, such as the car horns on the streets of India. We talk about how she approaches the business side of a professional career in composition, and how her work as a flutist, saxophonist, and pianist has informed her comfort with a wide array of compositional styles. And we speak about how we can all be more mindful to empower and promote the agency of composers and performers from marginalized communities and avoid the risks of exploiting any individual's otherness. Nina Shekhar is a composer who explores the intersection of identity, vulnerability, love, and laughter to create bold and intensely personal works. Described as “tart and compelling” (New York Times), “vivid” (Washington Post), and “surprises and delights aplenty” (LA Times), her music has been commissioned and performed by leading artists including LA Philharmonic, Albany Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, New World Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Eighth Blackbird, International Contemporary Ensemble, JACK Quartet, New York Youth Symphony, Alarm Will Sound, The Crossing, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, ETHEL, violinist Jennifer Koh, saxophonist Timothy McAllister, Ensemble Échappé, Music from Copland House, soprano Tony Arnold, Third Angle New Music, The New York Virtuoso Singers, Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, Lyris Quartet, Ray-Kallay Duo, New Music Detroit, and Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra. Her work has been featured by Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Walt Disney Concert Hall (LA Phil's Noon to Midnight), Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, National Sawdust, National Flute Association, North American Saxophone Alliance, I Care If You Listen, WNYC/New Sounds (New York), WFMT (Chicago), and KUSC and KPFK (Los Angeles) radio, ScoreFollower, and New Music Detroit's Strange Beautiful Music. Upcoming events include performances by the New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic (joined by soloists Nathalie Joachim and Pamela Z), Minnesota Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, and her Hollywood Bowl debut with the LA Philharmonic. Current projects include commissions for the Grand Rapids Symphony, 45th Parallel Universe Chamber Orchestra (sponsored by GLFCAM), and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) (sponsored by LA Phil and New Music USA). Nina is the recipient of the 2021 Rudolf Nissim Prize, two ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards (2015 and 2019), and the 2018 ASCAP Foundation Leonard Bernstein Award, funded by the Bernstein family. The transcript for this episode can be found here. For more information about Nina Shekhar, please visit her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Riccardo Muti presents two groundbreaking pieces by the first African American composers to have symphonic works performed by major orchestras. William Grant Still's Mother and Child is a gentle, lilting work inspired by a painting by Sargent Johnson. Florence Price's expressive Third Symphony gives a powerful voice to the African American experience. The first half includes Beethoven's Fourth Symphony, a work of grace, subtlety and drive, whose smallest gestures have large implications. Florence Price was a pioneer in the world of classical music: the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer and the first to have her work played by a major orchestra. In honor of these special performances of Price's Symphony No. 3, arrive early to learn more about this fascinating composer. The complete experience will include a free preconcert panel discussion in Orchestra Hall 90 minutes before each performance. The event is moderated by Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean of the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, and featuring Florence Price scholars Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, Distinguished Professor of Music, Miami University, and Dr. Douglas W. Shadle, Associate Professor of Musicology, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, as well as special guest Jessie Montgomery, CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence. No additional tickets required. Following the discussion, enjoy chamber music performances by Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative String Quartets performing works by Price and Montgomery in the Grainger Ballroom and Rotunda at Symphony Center. Thursday, May 5 6:00-6:45p Panel Discussion 6:45-7:15p Preconcert Chamber Performances Friday, May 6 12:00-12:45p Panel Discussion 12:45-1:15p Preconcert Chamber Performances Saturday, May 7 6:30-7:15p Panel Discussion 7:15-7:45p Preconcert Chamber Performances Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-beethoven-still-price

In our continuing coverage of recent concerto competitions, Introductions plays all four finalists from the 2022 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition. This year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Negaunee Music Institute opened the competition up to piano soloists, and all four finalists performed their chosen concerto movement with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and conductor Andrew Grams on Saturday March ... The post 2022 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition appeared first on WFMT.

Daniel Meyers is a bass player, music administrator, and professional fundraiser who currently manages donor relations and annual giving at the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. Before moving into fundraising, Daniel performed regularly as a substitute with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.QUOTES“I was playing with orchestras that were “the end goal” if you're searching for a career as an orchestral musician, but I wasn't finding the connection and focus on the audience and that focus on the audience. That's what I care about.”“I never heard or rarely heard musicians talk about the experience of the audience. And I felt like the people I was playing with didn't care that much.”“I don't think you can expect something that someone does full time, that it can't be a job just some of the time.”“You have this great opportunity and people are congratulating you, your peers are congratulating because you've achieved their dream. You feel like you should be on top of the world and you're not. This is what I was hoping for and it's really not all that”"It was just a job for a lot of them."LINKSFind Daniel on LinkedINUnsupervised EnsembleAubrey BergauerRuth HarttSt Olaf CollegePODCAST TEAMProduction Support from Molly Jenkins Audio Engineering from Frazer RuddickTheme Music Composed by Danna YunTheme Music Performed by Jasper LyRECORDEDRecorded on 08 October 2021

This theme of this month's episode is 'Arts in Education'. We are thrilled to be joined by Mrs. Erika Brown-Thomas, Grade 8 choir student Christina, and Chris Ramaekers, Director of the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra. Enjoy!

In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the Maestro himself, Conductor Christopher James Hisey who serves as the Music Director and Founder of the American Chamber Orchestra, Music Director and Founder of the Connecticut Philharmonic, and Music Director of the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. Chris has also served as the Music Director of the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra, the Troupers Light Opera Company, and Perrysburg Symphony Chorale as well as the Associate Conductor of both the Perrysburg Symphony and the Bowling Green Philharmonia and Opera Theater Orchestras. Listen in as Chris takes us back to his childhood influences and what drives his passion for inspiring youth through the power of music!

In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the Maestro himself, Conductor Christopher James Hisey who serves as the Music Director and Founder of the American Chamber Orchestra, Music Director and Founder of the Connecticut Philharmonic, and Music Director of the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. Chris has also served as the Music Director of the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra, the Troupers Light Opera Company, and Perrysburg Symphony Chorale as well as the Associate Conductor of both the Perrysburg Symphony and the Bowling Green Philharmonia and Opera Theater Orchestras. Listen in as Chris takes us back to his childhood influences and what drives his passion for inspiring youth through the power of music!

In anticipation of Josephine's 25th birthday, Alexandra interviews her daughter on the experience of being a child in a family where the parents have an evolving, hot, intimate marriage. They talk about the clarity and internal confidence it has provided Josephine as she herself navigates life and relationships. While there is a lot of juicy content and amazing insights in the episode, it's hearing how Alexandra and Josephine connect and communicate that reveals so much. BIO: Josephine Stockwell is the oldest of four children, a classical musician, and Alexandra's daughter. She loves to cook, cut and style hair, and health/fitness. She brings curiosity, emotional intelligence, creativity, and sunshine wherever she is. Josephine is violist. She is currently in graduate school at Northwestern and a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.    Josephine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephine_stockwell/ Alexandra's website: www.alexandrastockwell.com Read Alexandra's book “Uncompromising Intimacy”: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Follow Alexandra: IG: @alexandra.stockwell.intimacy FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.stockwell.7 FB business: https://www.instagram.com/alexandra.stockwell.intimacy/ Join THE INTIMATE MARRIAGE Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hotmarriage

In anticipation of Josephine's 25th birthday, Alexandra interviews her daughter on the experience of being a child in a family where the parents have an evolving, hot, intimate marriage. They talk about the clarity and internal confidence it has provided Josephine as she herself navigates life and relationships. While there is a lot of juicy content and amazing insights in the episode, it's hearing how Alexandra and Josephine connect and communicate that reveals so much. BIO: Josephine Stockwell is the oldest of four children, a classical musician, and Alexandra's daughter. She loves to cook, cut and style hair, and health/fitness. She brings curiosity, emotional intelligence, creativity, and sunshine wherever she is. Josephine is violist. She is currently in graduate school at Northwestern and a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.   Josephine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephine_stockwell/ Alexandra's website: www.alexandrastockwell.com Read Alexandra's book “Uncompromising Intimacy”: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Follow Alexandra: IG: @alexandra.stockwell.intimacy FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.stockwell.7 FB business: https://www.instagram.com/alexandra.stockwell.intimacy/ Join THE INTIMATE MARRIAGE Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hotmarriage

Our sponsor: Houghton Hornswww.houghtonhorns.comSamuel Rothstein was appointed as the Assistant Principal and Bass Clarinetist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra beginning at the start of the 2015-16 season. He received his bachelor's degree in music performance from Northwestern University where he studied with J. Lawrie Bloom and Steve Cohen. Prior to joining the ISO, Mr. Rothstein was a member of the Richmond Symphony in Richmond, Virginia, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He has performed with the Chicago, Milwaukee, Virginia, New World, and Illinois Symphony Orchestras as well as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Additionally, he was the clarinet player for the 25th anniversary national touring company of Les Miserables and has also performed in the orchestra of other various productions for Broadway Chicago. Summer festival appearances include the National Repertory Orchestra, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Tanglewood Music Center. After two summers as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, Samuel was invited to return for a third summer as a member of the New Fromm Players, focusing on the study and performance of contemporary music.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Last installment of mental health awareness month! I wanted to ask New World flutist Leah Stevens to come on the show during mental health month because I have admired how transparent she is about her mental health struggles online. In addition to performing with the New World Symphony, she has served as principal flute with The Orchestra Now and substituted with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Quad Cities Symphony, South Bend Symphony, and the Lexington Philharmonic. Leah has also won First Prize in the Orchestral Audition and Masterclass and Second Prize in the Piccolo Orchestral Audition and Masterclass at the 2017 National Flute Association Convention. In this episode: How music school is a contributing factor to a decline in mental health How depression and anxiety affect everyday musician tasks  Social media as an accountability buddy  Taking a break next week, but we'll be back in June with musicians who podcast! Stay tuned!  LINKS Follow Leah Stevens on Instagram Send Leah an email stevensflute91@gmail.com   Pod Perks! Watch the free training with Nicole Riccardo on How to Sell Out Your Offers on Instagram Podcast links Follow Tori and The Unclassical Musician! Support The Unclassical Musician on Patreon Follow Tori on Instagram  Follow The Unclassical Musician on Instagram by following the hashtag #theunclassicalmusician Join The Unclassical Musicians Facebook Group Sign up for a FREE 30-minute coaching session with Tori  Send Tori an email tori@torilupinek.com  

Melissa Ngan and Herine Coetzee Koschak of Fifth House Ensemble join us to discuss their roots in the community engagement initiatives spearheaded by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and their origins on a 36-hour road trip. They share their philosophy on the importance of relationships as the basis for developing ensemble membership and an avid listener base. We discuss the studio, social, and civic practice continuum, and how they design arts integration initiatives in collaboration with teachers and students in a way that perpetuates arts education beyond the initial residency. We chat about the Fresh Inc Festival for emerging artists and about Melissa's video game evolution from Duck Hunt to Journey. Praised by the New York Times for its “conviction, authority, and finesse,” the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble harnesses the collaborative spirit of chamber music to reach beyond the traditionally-perceived limits of classical music. The ensemble's artistic, educational, and civic programs engage theater groups, video game designers, corporate innovators, and folk bands to share stories as diverse as the communities it serves. Through the ensemble's heartfelt social and civic practice work, Fifth House has co-created artistic projects with urban neighborhoods, social service organizations, and an agricultural community to spark conversations on issues that matter. Recent projects include Broken Text, a collaboration with Raven Theatre and DJ Searchl1te inspired by multi-week residencies at the Cook County Temporary Youth Detention Center and St. Leonard's Ministries; Voices from the Dust Bowl, a collaboration with composer Steven Snowden and bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers exploring stories from workers' rights organizations nationwide; Nedudim, an exploration of music and cultural identity in collaboration with Baladino that engages Chicago-based organizations representing Israel, Iran, Germany and Spain, and Harvest, a year-long partnership with DePauw University and the Greencastle, IN community culminating in a Mother's Day celebration of the people, places, and stories of Putnam County. In 2012, Fifth House launched Fresh Inc, a two-week, intensive training program for emerging composers and performers where Fifth House works with participants on building careers in music in line with their own unique vision and values. Fifth House is currently an Ensemble in Residence at the Music Institute of Chicago. The transcript for this episode can be found here. Resources discussed in this episode: Fresh Inc Festival For more information about Third Coast Percussion, please visit them at website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Timothy Higgins was appointed to the position of Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony by Michael Tilson Thomas in 2008. He was previously the acting Second Trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC.  Mr. Higgins, a Houston native, has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Northwestern University and has performed with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Music of the Baroque, Aspen Music Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Sun Valley Summer Symphony, Washington National Opera, and Baltimore Symphony.  His principal teachers have been Michael Mulcahy (Chicago Symphony), Michael Warny (Houston Grand Opera), and Royce Landon (Des Moines, Iowa).  He has participated in music festivals with the Roundtop Music Festival, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Music Center. Along with a busy orchestra career, Timothy Higgins is a sought after arranger of music.  He was the sole arranger of the National Brass Ensemble’s Gabrieli recording. Additionally, he has arranged music for CT3 Trombone Quartet, National Brass Quintet, Bay Brass, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Brass Ensemble.  Timothy Higgins has also composed works for brass instruments in solo and chamber settings. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by the Washington Symphonic Brass, the Bay Brass, the San Francisco Symphony brass section, the Chicago Symphony brass section, the Los Angeles Philharmonic brass section, and numerous university brass ensembles. His arrangements and original compositions are available through his publishing company, 415Music. As a teacher, Timothy been a faculty member of the Pokorny Seminar since 2012, and is currently on faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Northwestern University. He has also led masterclasses in Japan, China, Canada and the United States, including classes at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, the New World Symphony, Vanderbilt University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School of Music. In 2005, Timothy won the Robert Marsteller Solo trombone competition, as well as the ITA Trombone Quartet competition with CT3.  While attending the Tanglewood Music Center, Mr. Higgins was awarded the Grace B. Upton Award for Outstanding Fellow. In 2013, Timothy released his solo CD, Stage Left. Learn more about Timothy Higgins at www.415music.com. The show notes for this episode are at www.bobreeves.com/blog/timothy-higgins-trombone-interview/. This podcast is sponsored by The Brass Ark (www.brassark.com) and Bob Reeves Brass (www.bobreeves.com). 

Podcast sponsorwww.houghtonshorns.comSteven Woomert joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal Trumpet in 2014. He has appeared as the Acting Principal Trumpet of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and has performed with the Barbados Classical Pops All Star Orchestra, New World Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.Born in Toronto, Steven began his musical studies at age five on violin and added trumpet studies at age 11. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree at Northwestern University, where he studied with Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer, and Christopher Martin. While he was at Northwestern, he was a member of the school’s entry that won First Prize in the Ensemble Division at the 2012 National Trumpet Competition. Steven continued his studies at The Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory in Toronto where he studied with Andrew McCandless. In 2013, he was the winner of the International Trumpet Guild Orchestral Excerpts Competition. Steven has participated in many summer festivals, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, National Academy Orchestra, Banff Festival Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, National Repertory Orchestra, and Spoleto Festival USA.Steven and his father Barton have commissioned and recorded a CD of brand new music for two trumpets and piano, entitled Tandem. Besides performing, Steven enjoys joining some of his TSO colleagues on their volleyball team (The Gustav Bahlers).Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Francesco Lecce-Chong is the Music Director of the Eugene Symphony in Oregon, and the Santa Rosa Symphony, performing at the Green Music Center in Northern California. The press has described him as a “fast rising talent in the music world” with “the real gift” and recognized his dynamic performances, fresh programming, deep commitment to commissioning and performing new music as well as to community outreach. Mr. Lecce-Chong has appeared with orchestras around the world including the San Francisco Symphony, New York Philharmonic, National Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic and collaborated with top soloists including Renée Fleming and Itzhak Perlman. Other recent subscription debuts included the Colorado Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic and Xi’An Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lecce-Chong has also returned to conduct the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Milwaukee and San Diego Symphony. The 19/20 season also marked his debut with the New York Philharmonic as part of the legendary Young People’s Concert Series.Following the paths of renowned Music Directors of the Eugene and the Santa Rosa aSymphonies including Marin Alsop, Giancarlo Guerrero and Jeffrey Kahane, Mr. Lecce-Chong has made his mark with the two orchestras introducing a series of new music and community initiatives. In 2019, the orchestras announced Mr. Lecce-Chong’s “First Symphony Project” commissioning four major orchestral works by young composers – Matt Brown, Gabriella Smith, Angélica Negrón and Michael Djupstrom – to be performed over several seasons accompanied by multiple composer residencies and community events. In Eugene, he has reinitiated family concerts and presented a number of innovative projects such as an original multimedia performance of Scriabin’s compositions engaging light and color.In the 20/21 season, an unprecedented one for live orchestral music, Mr. Lecce-Chong will conduct virtual concerts with both the Santa Rosa and the Eugene Symphony, specifically created for online audiences. The performances will be streamed worldwide and will take a unique form of a cohesive musical journey complete with interviews with musicians. The programs will include music by living composers Jessie Montgomery, Gabriella Lena Frank and Chen Yi. Santa Rosa Symphony will also celebrate Beethoven’s 250th with performances of his first three symphonies.During his successful tenures as Associate Conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony under Edo de Waart and the Pittsburgh Symphony under Manfred Honeck, Mr. Lecce-Chong also dedicated his time to opera, building his credentials as staff conductor with the Santa Fe Opera and conducted Madama Butterfly at the Florentine Opera with the Milwaukee Symphony. Mr. Lecce-Chong is the recipient of several distinctions, including the prestigious Solti Foundation Award. Trained also as a pianist and composer, he completed his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music with Otto-Werner Mueller after attending the Mannes College of Music and Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy. He has had the privilege of being mentored and supported by celebrated conductors including Bernard Haitink, David Zinman, Edo de Waart, Manfred Honeck, Donald Runnicles and Michael Tilson Thomas.You can find out more about Francesco on his website, lecce-chong.com, or on Instagram @leccechong.

Mike Roylance is Principal Tuba with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where he occupies the Margaret and William C. Rousseau chair.At Rollins College, in Winter Park, Fla., Roylance served on the faculty conducting the brass ensemble and directing the Pep Band. Roylance was also the professor of tuba and euphonium at the University of Central Florida.After relocating to Chicago, Roylance performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and Seattle Symphony Orchestra. He also served as the principal tubist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for the 2001-02 season.Prior to that, Roylance spent 15 years as a freelance musician and teacher in Orlando, Fla. He performed on tuba and electric bass in a wide genre of ensembles such as orchestras, chamber groups, Dixieland bands, big bands, and Broadway shows. He was a member of Walt Disney World's "Future Corps" and principal tubist with the Walt Disney World Orchestra. Roylance was also a member of Rosie O'Grady's Dixie-Land Jazz Band.His career also includes performances in Europe and Japan. While in Japan, he performed as a soloist and taught masterclasses. His European performances have included the Classical Festival Orchestra in Vienna, Austria, and with the Sam Rivers Rivbea Jazz Orchestra in Portugal.Attended University of Miami; B.A., Rollins College. Studies with former BSO Tubist Chester Schmitz, as well as former University of Miami professor Connie Weldon, James Jenkins (Jacksonville Symphony), Bob Tucci (Bavarian State Opera), Gene Pokorny (Chicago Symphony), and Floyd Cooley (San Francisco Symphony, retired).Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

It's no surprise that there are far fewer women conductors than there are men. HOWEVER, the times, they are a changin.' Women are cracking that glass ceiling and while the percentage is small, it only serves to encourage other women to pick up the baton. One of those women is Kalena Bovell, Assistant Conductor - Memphis Symphony Orchestra. She has an impressive resume, having worked at the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, the Hartford and St. Louis Symphonies. Join us as Kalena shares her love, passion and joy for making beautiful music.

David Binder joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as Second Trombone in September 2015. He previously served as Co-Principal Trombone of the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki, Finland for three seasons and currently performs with the Grand Teton Music Festival during summers. He has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Music of the Baroque (Chicago), the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Tapiola (Finland) Sinfonietta. As a soloist, David has performed recitals in Finland, Switzerland, and across the US; and has won solo competitions at the American Trombone Workshop, International Trombone Festival, and International Women’s Brass Conference.David received a 2018 Kresge Artist Fellowship, awarded by Kresge Arts in Detroit, a program of The Kresge Foundation. The Fellowship is awarded in recognition of a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high quality work, and the potential to reflect, enhance, or impact communities within metropolitan Detroit. During the Fellowship year, David performed recitals of contemporary works for solo trombone and chamber ensemble.A Chicago native, he completed his Bachelor’s degree with Brass Department Honors at Northwestern University, studying with Michael Mulcahy, Peter Ellefson, Timothy Higgins, and Randall Hawes. While at Northwestern, he was also a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and studied additionally with Jay Friedman. During his time in Europe, David travelled extensively to study with prominent trombonists on the continent, including Ian Bousfield and Jamie Williams.David has quickly become sought after as a teacher, presenting masterclasses at Northwestern University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Indiana University. In Detroit he maintains a private studio and is heavily involved in the DSO Civic Youth Ensembles program, leading rehearsals and sectionals for low brass students.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Brandon Keith Brown is an internationally celebrated conductor who combines the American spirit with German musical tradition. Upon graduating from the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore with honors, he moved to Europe to expand his musical experiences. Brandon has worked with acclaimed orchestras, such as the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, the Staatskapelle Weimar, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Aside from actively pursuing his career as a conductor, he is also a passionate educator of forthcoming generations of musicians and a noted social justice advocate. In this interview, Brandon talks about racism and discrimination in the music scene and at music universities.

www.jasonhaaheim.comJason Haaheim (pronounced HAW-heim) was appointed a Principal Timpanist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2013. In addition to performances at New York's Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Mr. Haaheim can be seen and heard performing with the MET Orchestra on television, international radio, and Live in HD movie theater broadcasts. Mr. Haaheim is on faculty at the NYU Steinhardt School of Music and the Bard Conservatory of Music. A sought-after clinician, Mr. Haaheim gives masterclasses both nationally and internationally, and is the founder of the Northland Timpani Summit, the Deliberate Practice Bootcamp, and the Artful Timpani Auditioning seminar. He is also a frequent coach for The Orchestra Now (TON), the Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra (NYO), and the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS).Mr. Haaheim’s guest principal timpanist engagements have included the All Star Orchestra, the Seoul Philharmonic, the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and the Milwaukee Symphony. He is the principal timpanist of the Lakes Area Music Festival, and has also been a resident artist of the Twickenham Festival. Prior to the Met, Mr. Haaheim was principal timpanist of the Southwest Michigan Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and he performed regularly as timpanist with the Madison Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Illinois Philharmonic.Mr. Haaheim began studying piano in 4th grade, adding percussion studies in 5th grade. He holds a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in honors-music-performance and physics from Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, MN); he also holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from UC-Santa Barbara. Influential teachers have included John Tafoya (Indiana University, National Symphony), Dean Borghesani (Milwaukee Symphony), Jonathan Haas (Aspen Music Festival, NYU), and Robert Adney (Gustavus Adolphus College, MacPhail Music School). While auditioning and freelancing, Mr. Haaheim worked as a Senior Research and Development Engineer at NanoInk, a Chicago-area tech company. In this capacity, he gave invited talks on nanotechnology, authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, and was granted numerous patents. In 2017, this dual-career path was highlighted in an interview with Melissa Block on NPR’s Weekend Edition.Active in many musical areas, Mr. Haaheim has also performed extensively as a chamber musician and jazz drummer. He collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma in a Civic Orchestra / Silk Road Ensemble performance, and recorded the premiere of Augusta Read Thomas’s “Terpsichore’s Dream” with members of the Chicago Symphony. Mr. Haaheim has performed with Chicago’s ensemble dal niente, and premiered Ryosuke Yagi’s “Mirrors…for timpani” with the UCSB Ensemble of Contemporary Music. Other projects have included drumming for the jazz-fusion quartet “The J3 Intent” and the alt-country band “The Lost Cartographers.” At Gustavus, Mr. Haaheim was selected for the honors recital and won first place in the orchestra’s concerto competition. Extra-musical interests include backpacking and hiking, rock climbing, and both downhill and cross-country skiing.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Violinist Genevieve Smelser joins the podcast today to share her tips and tricks to live a less wasteful and more eco-friendly lifestyle. Listen closely and take notes! She spills some of her favorite recipes for homemade skincare and cleaning products. Genevieve studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Rice University, and is now a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. You'll get to hear Genevieve in a performance of an iconic Brahms chamber music work...with unique instrumentation! Click on the links to learn more about these sustainable organizations: KeepCup, EarthHero, Package Free Shop. Remember to do your part and vote in the upcoming election. That's the best thing you can do for the environment right now! And let us know if you try any of Genevieve's DIY ideas. Follow Genevieve on Instagram at @c_est_la_vieve, and stay tuned for her website. Learn more about the Fever Candlelight concert series that Genevieve performs on. Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and please rate, review, and share with your friends :) Send me a screenshot of your review or post on social media, and I'll send you some new podcast swag. New episodes uploaded on Fridays. Contact me with questions/suggestions via my website www.ariananelson.com Follow along on Instagram at @keeping.cup.with.ariana --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-nelson/support

matthew@axiombrass.com - Matt's email address for people to reach outwww.brasslegacy.com - home page for Brass Legacywww.brasslegacy.com/opus2number2 - newest publicationwww.brasslegacy.com/past-publications - past publications (including Matt's injury article in op. 2 no. 1)www.axiombrass.com - Axiom's website to donate or purchase CDsMatthew Bronstein, born and raised in Agoura Hills, CA, received his bachelor’s degree in Horn performance from Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he studied with Dale Clevenger, the long-time principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A highly praised freelancer in the Chicagoland area, he spent two years as a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and has performed with the symphony orchestras of Chicago, Montreal, Milwaukee, and North Carolina, as well as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, and the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. His versatility has allowed him to perform with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, while also working on multiple jazz and pop recordings with such recording studios as Hinge Inc., Engine Studios, and Transient Sound Inc. His attended summer festivals include the Spoleto Music Festival, the Midsummer Chamber Music Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, the Music Academy of the West, and the Round Top Music Festival. Matthew is an avid sports fan and plays in the Midwest Suburban Baseball league on the Chicago River Bandits.Matthew performs exclusively with the Blackbinder automatic scroll app for iPads.Matthew performs exclusively on Mutec Mutes.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Jordan Thomas has been described as “a profoundly intelligent musician, capable of being both sensitive and powerful." Honors include first place in the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, guest artist on the Composer's Forum of the USA International Harp Competition, and guest soloist for the World Harp Congress Hong Kong, among others. He previously held the Principal Harpist position in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

Born and raised in San Diego, Greg Hix currently serves as the Artist Liaison for the San Francisco Symphony. Prior to that, he was the Manager of Artistic Operations for the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, WY. He was a full-time member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training orchestra of the Chicago Symphony, where he was able to sub on several occasions. He has an MM in horn performance from Northwestern University, where he studied with Gail Williams, Bill Barnewitz, and Jon Boen. Greg also holds a BA in horn performance from UCLA where he studied with Brian O’Connor, Christopher Cooper, and Patrick Sheridan.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Ethan Bensdorf joined the New York Philharmonic’s trumpet section on June 3, 2008, after spending the 2007–08 season as acting assistant principal trumpet with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra in Naples, Florida. He received his bachelor of music degree from Northwestern University in 2007, where he studied with Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer, and Christopher Martin. While a student at Northwestern, Mr. Bensdorf spent two years performing with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training orchestra for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and also performed with the New World Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s contemporary ensemble, MusicNOW. In May 2005, Mr. Bensdorf was selected to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts representing Northwestern University as part of “The Conservatory Project” recital series. In September of 2006, Mr. Bensdorf received the Armando Ghitalla International Trumpet Classic Award, which included solo appearances with the United States Coast Guard Band and the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts. He also spent two summers as a participant in the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan; one summer at the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland; and was selected as a Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in the summers of 2006 and 2007, where he received the Voisin Trumpet Award.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Composers and performers are finding incredibly creative ways to continue connecting and making great music in the midst of a global pandemic. Seth talks with composers Suzanne Farrin, Gene Pritsker, Carlos Simon, Liza Sobel and Greg Bartholomew as well as countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and American Composers Orchestra's Artistic Director Derek Bermel. MUSIC Nacht (excerpt) by Suzanne Farrin Performed by: Suzanne Farrin, ondes Martenot Alice Teyssier, voice Ross Karre, percussion Randall Zigler, bass Nuiko Wadden, harp Ryan Streber, audio engineer Pandemic Dance #32 and #30 by Gene Pritsker Performed by: Carson Cooman, organ Kristof Knoch - bass clarinet Gene Pritsker - electric guitar Another Rising by Carlos Simon Presented as part of American Composers Orchestra's Connecting ACO Community Performed by: Anthony Roth Constanzo, counter tenor Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Dianne Berkun Menaker - Founder and Artistic Director Brian Losch, sound editing and mixing Reverse Forward by Liza Sobel Performed by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Ken-David Masur - conductor Fire and Ice and Prairie Spring by Greg Bartholomew Performed by: Matt Curtis Useless Machines for Thinking, Dreaming, Feeling mvmt 3 Mind Fire by Seth Boustead Performed by Ford Fourqurean - bass clarinet David Keller - cello Henry Zheng - violin

Jay Friedman is principal trombone for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After four years with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and two years with the Florida Symphony, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1962 and was appointed principal trombone in 1964. When not playing trombone, Jay has also appeared extensively as a conductor, becoming Music Director of the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest in 1995, having served as Music Director of the River Cities Philharmonic, and Resident Conductor of the Chicago Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared as guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Italian Radio (RAI), the Malmo Symphony, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and the Santa Cecilia Orchestra of Rome. Friedman has also prepared and published numerous transcriptions of orchestral and classical music for brass ensemble, most frequently trombone choir. Learn more about Jay Friedman at www.jayfriedman.net.

Michael's website - www.playwritemusic.comMichael's Instagram - www.instagram.com/playwritemusicMichael Martin, born August 9, 1985 in Marietta, Georgia, became the youngest member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops as Third/Utility trumpet in July 2010, at the age of 24. Michael attended Northwestern University where he received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Trumpet Performance studying with Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer. Prior to joining the Boston Symphony, Michael performed with a diverse array of professional orchestras, ensembles and performing artists including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago; the Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago symphonies; the Axiom Brass; the Pacifica Quartet; “eighth blackbird”; and Sufjan Stevens. With the Boston Symphony, Michael can be heard on several upcoming albums with Music Director Andris Nelsons, including the GRAMMY-winning album, "Under Stalin's Shadow", releasing later this year.Michael has long been devoted to both performing and creating music at the highest artistic level and has become an extremely sought-after musician in both disciplines, forging a unique niche within the world of professional music. After completing his studies at Northwestern University, Michael was invited to study doctoral-level orchestration at the University of Chicago with renowned conductor and composer, Cliff Colnot. Michael has collaborated with and been commissioned by members of the Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago Symphonies; the Boston Pops; the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics; the Chicago Chamber Musicians; the Northshore Concert Band; the University of Houston Symphony Orchestra; Northwestern University’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble; as well as numerous high school concert band programs around the country including Avon HS (IN), Clear Creek HS (TX), Flower Mound HS (TX), Kell HS (GA), Kennesaw Mountain HS (GA), and North Hardin HS (TN). Michael is also the Brass Arranger for the seven-time DCI World Champion Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps of Rosemont, Illinois.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

The groups will collaborate to open the 40th season for the Choral Artists.

The groups will collaborate to open the 40th season for the Choral Artists.

In this episode, I speak with Jason Haaheim, principal timpanist with NY's Metropolitan Opera since 2013.   We discuss his fascinating journey, going from working full-time as an engineer to holding one of the most coveted position in the world.  He applied the principles of deliberate practice in his life in a way that will amaze and inspire you!  Jason's experience and insight on deliberate practice and music-making are eye opening!   We elaborate on: His unorthodox path – securing a position at the MET How he was exposed to deliberate practice What is “talent?” (Pssst!  It's not what you think!) How his playing soared once he figured out what type of practice works for him How deliberate practice is, in essence, applying the scientific method to instrumental learning How refining the technique in a scientific, methodical way, leads us to musicality and expression Why feedback is so crucial in learning and growing as an artist Why essential to be process-focused and how it impacts the end result Why it's up to you and the decision you make over the years Why it pays to be a tenacious loser What the things you can control are How the process never ends (and that's a good thing!) Why we should keep asking questions and how they make us better How his process continues in his career How results are a by-product of the process His audition preparation process – how he organized it and what it involved (have specific goals, a solid plan, record yourself, play mock auditions, get lots of feedback, etc.) How he uses Anders Ericsson's Mental Representation concept How recording ourselves transforms how we pay attention to our playing in real time How he prepares for the opera repertoire     ALL ABOUT JASON: Website: https://jasonhaaheim.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhaaheim/ Metropolitan Opera: https://www.metopera.org/ Artful Timpani Auditioning Seminar: https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/summer/percussionworkshops/artful_timpani_auditioning Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Anders Ericsson     Jason Haaheim (pronounced HAW-heim) was appointed a Principal Timpanist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2013. In addition to performances at New York's Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Mr. Haaheim can be seen and heard performing with the MET Orchestra on television, international radio, and Live in HD movie theater broadcasts. Mr. Haaheim is on faculty at the NYU Steinhardt School of Music and the Bard Conservatory of Music. A sought-after clinician, Mr. Haaheim gives masterclasses both nationally and internationally, and is the founder of the Northland Timpani Summit. He is also a frequent coach for The Orchestra Now (TON), the Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra (NYO), and the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS). Mr. Haaheim's guest principal timpanist engagements have included the Seoul Philharmonic, the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and the Milwaukee Symphony. He has also been principal timpanist of the Lakes Area Music Festival, and a resident artist of the Twickenham Festival. Prior to the Met, Mr. Haaheim was principal timpanist of the Southwest Michigan Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and he performed regularly as timpanist with the Madison Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Peoria Symphony, and the Illinois Philharmonic. Mr. Haaheim has also been invited to perform as guest principal timpanist with the Chicago Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), the Glimmerglass Festival, the Auckland Philharmonia, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Mr. Haaheim began studying piano in 4th grade, adding percussion studies in 5th grade. He holds a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in honors-music-performance and physics from Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, MN); he also holds a master's degree in electrical engineering from UC-Santa Barbara. Influential teachers have included John Tafoya (Indiana University, National Symphony), Dean Borghesani (Milwaukee Symphony), Jonathan Haas (Aspen Music Festival, NYU), and Robert Adney (Gustavus Adolphus College, MacPhail Music School). While auditioning and freelancing, Mr. Haaheim worked as “Senior Research and Development Engineer” at NanoInk, a Chicago-area tech company. In this capacity, he gave invited talks on nanotechnology, authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, and was granted numerous patents. In 2017, this dual-career path was highlighted in an interview with Melissa Block on NPR's Weekend Edition. Active in all musical areas, Mr. Haaheim has also performed extensively as a chamber musician and jazz drummer. He collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma in a Civic Orchestra / Silk Road Ensemble performance, and recorded the premiere of Augusta Read Thomas's “Terpsichore's Dream” with members of the Chicago Symphony. Mr. Haaheim has performed with Chicago's ensemble dal niente, and premiered Ryosuke Yagi's “Mirrors…for timpani” with the UCSB Ensemble of Contemporary Music. Other projects have included drumming for the jazz-fusion quartet “The J3 Intent” and the alt-country band “The Lost Cartographers.” At Gustavus, Mr. Haaheim was selected for the honors recital and won first place in the orchestra's concerto competition. Extra-musical interests include backpacking and hiking, rock climbing, and both downhill and cross-country skiing.     If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support! Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice. THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson. Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe   (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

I first met Jennifer Downing Olsson back in the early 2000s.  She was playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago at the time, and we also ended up playing in the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina.   It has been great watching her career unfold.  Jennifer moved to Sweden several year ago to play in the Gothenburg Symphony, and she recently took a new position with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.   She also returns to Chicago each summer to play in the Grant Park Symphony.   Jennifer and I got together in person after a Grant Park Symphony concerto to talk about her path through the music world, similarities and differences between Sweden and the United States, studying at Indiana University, and music more!   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Kolstein Music The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein’s has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production. Robertson & Sons Violins For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.   A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Canadian Tubist Jarrett McCourt is the Acting Principal Tuba of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Tubist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Prior to this, Jarrett was the Tuba Fellow of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida. Jarrett’s playing has been called “magnificent” by the Palm Beach Daily News and “warm, romantic and seamless” by the South Florida Classical Review. Jarrett has performed with a number of different high-level ensembles, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Flint Symphony Orchestra, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed as Acting Principal Tuba with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Additionally, Jarrett has performed under classical conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Robert Spano, James Gaffigan, Susanna Mälkki and Leonard Slatkin, as well as alongside jazz heavyweights such as Esperanza Spalding, Wayne Bergeron, and Nicholas Payton. In this fun and lively (and sometimes powerful and moving) conversation, we cover: "Warm, romantic and seamless" Chicago, playing with the Civic Orchestra Moving from Miami and driving from Florida to Illinois Playing with New World Symphony Playing with Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Exit interview with NWS CEO, Howard Herring The new concert hall for NWS, live projection of performances on the side of the building The differences in culture between New World and Civic and Winnipeg MTTs advice as a newbie in NWS His suggestions to NWS addressing mental health initiatives Mental health person on staff at U of Michigan School of Music Pressures on professional musicians Working for a suicide hotline for two years as an undergrad Basic self-care tactics (food, sleep, hydration, etc.) Connecting with audiences in more personal and genuine ways Developing coping skills Active listening, acknowledge realistically and offer concrete advice If you suspect something, express something His suggestions for systemic changes in educational and professional environments Help others feel comfortable Noa Kageyama Meditation Personal highlight reel Achievement/Gratitude journaling Baby steps Taking every day as it comes LINKS: Personal site New World Symphony profile Bulletproof Musician Want to help the show? Here are some ways: Help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes. Show us some love on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron. Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.) Tell your friends! Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.

TBJ88: St. Louis Symphony trumpeter Jeff Strong on preparation, playing with the Marine Band and having an air blowing epiphany. Jeffrey Strong of the St. Louis Symphony and formerly of the “President’s Own” US Marine Band, joined Andrew & Lance to detail his current gig, playing Taps in inclement weather and what he learned from Chris Martin. In this fun and lively conversation, we cover: Blitzstein opera, Regina Finishing 3rd season with the SLSO Played in The President’s Own Marine Band Ficus tree story Played in the Civic Orchestra while studying at Northwestern Playing with Mike Martin and Thomas Siders Other rockstars in the Northwestern trumpet studio while he was there Festive Overture Playing under Mallory Thompson What it’s like to play Taps at Arlington Ceremony Getting punched in the gut by The Bathroom Fairy Playing ceremonies in various weather conditions Preparing for high pressure situations Jimmy Doolittle funeral Preparing for the St. Louis Symphony audition Chris Martin preparation style as a model Being methodical, considering as many variables as possible Mark Lawrence, “If its hard to do, you’re probably doing it wrong.” Working on jazz as a young player Being a musical chameleon/matching sound The importance of being analytical Air blowing epiphany Keeping notes/journaling to help keep track of progress and problems Problem is usually related to how something feels vs. how something sounds Playing with (and sleeping on the floor of) Achilles Liarmakopoulos of the Canadian Brass Quote board Playing in the St. Louis Symphony Open up the capillaries Two goat theory LINKS: St. Louis Symphony bio page Jeff's LinkedIn page NPR interview St. Louis Symphony blog Want to help the show? Here are some ways: Help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes. Show us some love on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron. Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.) Tell your friends! Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.

When Mitch Moehring, one of our producers for the show, recommended that I get in touch with Lois Robinson for an interview, I had a weird sense of deja vu…. I knew that name from somewhere in my past.   After reading a few emails, I realized that Lois and I go way back.  In fact, she was the Executive Director of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago back the I was a member in the late 1990s.  I even think that we played a gig or two in the Elgin Symphony as well!   In addition to being a bass player, Lois has a remarkable talent: bringing orchestras back from the brink of disaster.    Lois was hired as Executive Director of the Shreveport Symphony following a crippling two year strike by the orchestra.  The financial situation of this orchestra was complicated by the loss of the orchestra’s tax exempt status!   After coping with the immediate crises, Lois and her team successfully restructured Fundraising and Marketing activities and increased annual revenue by approximately 50% overall from 2011 to 2015. They’ve achieved an operating surplus for the last two fiscal years, and negotiated the first three year CBA with the musicians since the 1990’s.   Learn about the remarkable transformation that Lois spearheaded fro the Shreveport Symphony, her experiences working at the Louisiana Philharmonic right after Hurricane Katrina, her background as a bassist and a lawyer, and much more in this great conversation!   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Robertson & Sons Violins For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Krista Kopper, cataloging and archiving Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Henry Chen and I go way back.  In fact, I remember meeting Henry at DePaul University over a decade ago! At that point,  he had not had much orchestral experience, but he was a fabulous solo player who won the concerto competition with the Bottesini Concerto. Chicago was Henry’s choice because of the orchestral training he knew he’d receive there.  He spent his time studying with Chicago Symphony bassist Rob Kassinger and playing principal bass with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Fast-forward ten years, and Henry is now teaching at  Soochow University School of Music in Jiangsu, China.  We talk about Henry’s journey from Chicago to China and the steps in between, what it’s like teaching and performing in China, opportunities for bass players looking for an orchestra job, Henry’s teaching style, and much more! Links to check out: Henry’s website Bottesini Concerto PDF and MP3 files (Cliff Colnot arrangement) Franck Sonata with Henry (mvt 1) Franck Sonata with Henry (mvt 4) Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and are great for all kind os styles of music.   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

In our bonus episode series, Mavericks, we bring you interviews with innovative voices in the double reed community. In this episode we are joined by bassoonist Midori Samson! In this interview, Midori talks to us about using classical music to promote community engagement, growth, diversity, and advocacy! Her work has taken her to refugee centers, prisons and communities in East Africa. In this episode: Trade Winds Ensemble: http://www.tradewindsquintet.com Artists Striving to End Poverty: https://www.astep.org Civic Fellows of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago: https://civicfellows.org

Meditation and Passion: Uncovering Piano Masterworks of Haiti Edouard Saintonge Elegie-Meringue Ludovic Lamothe Quatre Danses Carmen Brouard Quatre nocturne Nocturne No. 1 Edmond Saintonge Pages intimes: No. 1 Désespérance No. 2 Mélancholie, Mazurke de Salon No. 3 Causerie sentimentale Émile Desamours Sonate Folklorique (en sol majeur, sur les chansons populaires d’Haiti) Pianist Marianne Parker is a founding member of the L+M Duo, which performs contemporary music for percussion and piano. Previously, she served as Principal Pianist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where she studied under Chicago Symphony Orchestra Principal Pianist Mary Sauer. Ms. Parker previously studied at the Bösendorfer Piano Institute of Vienna under Krassimera Jordan, and with pianists Wei-Han Su, David Northington, and David Brunell.  About Crossing Borders Music Mission,  Vision, and Impact  The mission of Crossing Borders Music is to use music to promote the dignity of people from all cultures. They envision a more harmonious world in which people experience musical and artistic dimensions of world cultures in such a way that influences how they shop, invest, travel, volunteer, do business, and live their day-to-day lives. To this end, Crossing Borders Music produces moving music that tells compelling stories by composers from under-represented cultures – music that invites audiences to learn more and get involved. Crossing Borders Music also presents educational programs to foster young people’s awareness of the diversity and richness of cultures and their music. Crossing Borders Music focuses on cultures that are poorly understood and often historically marginalized. By sharing music by composers from these cultures, their music tells the stories others are not. In so doing, they  challenge stereotypes and preconceptions. Therefore, when they hear audience members say their music defied their expectations or broadened their worldview, they know they’re fulfilling their mission.

Andrew Pedersen recently won a position with the Houston Symphony.  He was a student of Tim Pitts at Rice and a student of Rob Kassinger's at DePaul. I actually had the chance to work with Andrew at Northwestern University’s now-defunct High School Music Institute back in 2011, and it was great watching him continue to grow as a player and musician during his years at DePaul. We dig into the nuts and bolts of Andrew’s Houston Symphony audition process, balancing playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago with being a student, Andrew’s audition preparation strategies, advice for his younger self (which I know you’re gong to love!), and much more. Follow along with all of our audition-related content at contrabassconversations.com/auditioning Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance. Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which  offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made. Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others. Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

I had a blast reconnecting with my old friend Tracy Friedlander! Tracy is the host of Crushing Classical, a new podcast about creating a career you love as a classical musician in today's world. I was fortunate to be one of her first guests! Tracy also writes regularly on her Crushing Classical Facebook page, and she’s in the process of writing a book as well. Tracy and I used to play together in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago nearly 20 years ago, and it has been a lot of fun reconnecting with her through the podcasting world. We talk about her motivation for launching this podcast and her vision for the show going forward. She’s had some wonderful guests on so far, and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here. Be sure to subscribe to her show in iTunes and follow her Facebook page! Links to Check Out: Crushing Classical on Facebook Crushing Classical on iTunes Jason on Crushing Classical podcast Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to your inbox! Learn how you can support the show at contrabassconversations.com/support Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut. Enter the D’Addario strings giveaway for Contrabass Conversations listeners at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos.  Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation.  

WDAV’s Matt Rogers talks with Charlotte Civic Orchestra's conductor Geoffrey Whitehead and local composer Dean Kluesner about the performance, “A Symphony and a Movie.”

Today's episode features double bassist Trevor Jones. It actually amazes me that this is the first time that Trevor has been on the podcast. Trevor kind of does it all: he studied classical bass with Rob Kassinger at DePaul University but got a music education degree as well He has played for years in the rock band Molehill but also maintains a full-time performing schedule as a theater musician, and he has a salaried double bass teaching job at Illinois Wesleyan University as well. About Trevor: Based in Chicago, independent artist Trevor Jones works in a variety of musical settings. He performs with regional orchestras throughout the Midwest including the Elgin Symphony and is a substitute with the Grant Park Orchestra. He has also recorded for Realize Records on Chris Bruni’s album Watch Me Burn and Kate Quinby's album Tribute To Water and has co-written and recorded two albums: Tin God and Equinox with his Chicago-based alternative rock group Molehill. Trevor is the upright and electric bassist at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, IL and his credits include Jeff®-Award Winning Musical Hero that was premiered in the Summer of 2012 and reprised in 2014 at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, FL. For the Glory with music Tony Award® nominee Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel), Battlecry by Paul Bogaev (Aida, Spiderman). and the World Premiere of October Sky. While growing up in Gettysburg, PA Trevor studied double bass with Duane Botterbusch of the Harrisburg Symphony, and continued with Andrew Kohn of the Pittsburgh Opera at West Virginia University. In 2009 he completed his Master’s degree at DePaul University where he studied with Rob Kassinger of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. While studying at DePaul, Trevor performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the DePaul Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Cliff Colnot. Trevor earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at West Virginia University. Trevor performs with the Chicago-based rock act Molehill. Molehill headlines some of Chicago’s most prominent venues and tours throughout the country. Highlights include appearances at CBS Studio Chicago, Metro (Chicago), Summerfest and SXSW. Their song “The Repeating” charted in the Top 10 of the KKBB Speciality Charts in 2015. Trevor has won an ASCAP+ Award for his songwriting for Molehill. Trevor is in demand as an educator in the Chicago area and maintains a studio at Midwest Young Artists , the preeminent youth music program in the Midwest. In addition to teaching at MYA, Trevor is also the Instructor of Double Bass at Illinois Wesleyan University at DePaul University where he teaches String Pedagogy.

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. The University Ceremony of the 525th Convocation of the University of Chicago was held on December 11, 2015, in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. The 125th Anniversary Address was given by Hanna Holborn Gray, President Emerita of the University and Harry Pratt Judson Distinguished Service Professor Emerita, Department of History and the College. In honor of its 125th anniversary, the University commissioned a musical piece by composer Anthony Cheung, Assistant Professor, Department of Music and the College. A woodwind quintet, brass quintet, and percussion from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago performed the piece under the direction of Michael Lewanski, Assistant Professor of Instrumental Ensembles at the DePaul University School of Music.

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. The University Ceremony of the 525th Convocation of the University of Chicago was held on December 11, 2015, in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. The 125th Anniversary Address was given by Hanna Holborn Gray, President Emerita of the University and Harry Pratt Judson Distinguished Service Professor Emerita, Department of History and the College. In honor of its 125th anniversary, the University commissioned a musical piece by composer Anthony Cheung, Assistant Professor, Department of Music and the College. A woodwind quintet, brass quintet, and percussion from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago performed the piece under the direction of Michael Lewanski, Assistant Professor of Instrumental Ensembles at the DePaul University School of Music.

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. The Bach Marathon, a collaboration between the University of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, featured 10 free performances on December 3rd in one day at venues on the South Side and in downtown Chicago.

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. The Bach Marathon, a collaboration between the University of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, featured 10 free performances on December 3rd in one day at venues on the South Side and in downtown Chicago.

We're featuring an interview with bassist Larry Gray on this week's episode.  Larry's multi-instrumental path has taken him through performance on guitar, flute, cello, and piano in addition to bass.  Larry is in high demand as a jazz bassist in Chicago, performing regularly for decades at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase, and he teaches at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Enjoy! About Larry Born on Chicago’s south side, Larry Gray is considered by many to be one of jazz music’s finest double bassists. His impressive versatility and uncommon musical curiosity keep him in demand as both a leader and sideman. Larry began his musical studies at the age of five when his father brought home an accordion and introduced him to his first teacher. Invigorated by this study, Larry added the guitar to his arsenal and studied piano seriously for many years thereafter. It was not until he was in his twenties that he decided to switch to the double bass. Larry went on to study classical music extensively, eventually adding the cello to his long list of loved instruments. His principal teachers were Joseph Guastafeste, longtime principal bassist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and cellist Karl Fruh, a highly regarded soloist and teacher. Under Mr. Fruh's guidance, he received bachelors and masters degrees in cello performance from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. Throughout his long and varied career, Larry has worked with numerous exceptional artists and jazz legends, including McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Danilo Perez, Branford Marsalis, Benny Green, Freddy Cole, Benny Golson, Steve Turre, George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Bobby Hutcherson, Sonny Fortune, Ira Sullivan, Junior Mance, David "Fathead" Newman, Willie Pickens, Ann Hampton Callaway, Charles McPherson, Antonio Hart, Jackie McLean, Sonny Stitt, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Al Cohn, Randy Brecker, Nicholas Payton, Kurt Elling, Eric Alexander, Phil Woods, Jon Faddis, Roscoe Mitchell, Von Freeman, Wilbur Campbell, Eddie Harris, and Les McCann. In addition, he has collaborated with guitarists Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, and Tal Farlow, as well trumpeters Donald Byrd, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Tom Harrell, among others. Larry continues to tour extensively, performing at jazz festivals and clubs around the globe, including the Umbria Jazz Festival, the Havana Jazz Festival, Rio Sao Paulo Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, ECM Festival in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, the Poznan Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, the Montreaux Detroit Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, Village Vanguard, Blue Note (New York and Tokyo), Kennedy Center, and the Ravinia Festival, with such jazz luminaries as Marian McPartland, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, Frank Morgan, James Moody, Larry Coryell, Louis Bellson, Barry Harris, Dorothy Donegan, Monty Alexander, Frank Wess, Joe Williams, Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band, Kenny Drew Jr., and most recently, Ramsey Lewis. As a classical musician, Larry played several seasons with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, including a year as principal bass. He worked on many occasions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under master conductors Erich Leinsdorf, Rafeal Kubelik, Carlo Maria Guilini, and Sir George Solti. He also was the featured double bassist with Lyric Opera for the world premiere of the opera Amistad. Larry is an arranger and composer whose work has been widely recognized as uniquely melodic and exceptionally refined. His discography includes 1,2, 3,..., on Chicago Sessions, the solo bass record, Gravity, One Look, and Solo + Quartet, all on Graywater Records, as well as the Ramsey Lewis and Nancy Wilson collaborations Meant to Be and Simple Pleasures. He can also be heard on the Ramsey Lewis recordings Appassionata, Time Flies, and With One Voice, and the latest release, Songs From the Heart. Larry also arranged and produced the critically acclaimed CD, Django by Ferro. Furthermore, Larry has recorded with Chet Baker, Curtis Fuller, Ira Sullivan, Lin Halliday, Willie Pickens, Nicholas Payton, Randy Brecker, Bunky Green, Bob Moses, Irish flute-whistle virtuoso Laurence Nugent, pop sensations Linda Eder, Dennis DeYoung, and Peter Cetera, and songwriter Michael Smith, among others. In addition, Larry is a first-call studio musician, and his playing can be heard on many commercial radio and television jingles and studio projects as well as the PBS television series, Legends of Jazz, where he can be seen performing alongside Jim Hall, Benny Golson, Chris Potter, Phil Woods, David Sanborn, Chris Botti, Clark Terry, and Roy Hargrove. In addition, Larry's original composition for double bass and guitar, Five Movements, was commissioned and performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble at Symphony Center in Chicago. Most recently, Larry has composed two commissioned works for the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Tribute to the Bass Masters Suite was premiered at the Poznan Festival in Poland in 2008 to much acclaim. A second work, String Thing, was first presented in Chicago in October 2010 as part of the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz in Chicago series. Larry also completed a collaborative project with bassists Rufus Reid and Joseph Guastafeste that was premiered in March of 2011 in Chicago. Larry Gray is also a dedicated teacher and is Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also served for many years on the faculties at DePaul University and Northern Illinois University. Active as a clinician at high school and colleges and festivals thought North America, he also coaches various instrumentalists in jazz techniques as well as music theory, sight-singing, and composition. Subscribe to the podcast – follow on Twitter – Like on Facebook

This week, we’re featuring an interview with Klauss Stoll, the recently retired Principal Bass of the Berlin Philharmonic. He has taught for many years in Berlin, Salzburg, and in master classes worldwide, and is regarded as one of the finest teachers of the double bass alive today. This interview was conducted by Jonathan Stefaniak, a former member of the Civic Orchestra who is now playing in an orchestra in Japan. Jonathan was recently working with Professor Stoll in a master class setting and had the opportunity to sit down and chat with him for the podcast. In this interview, Jonathan and Klaus discuss Klaus’ early years on the instrument, his time spent in the Berlin Philharmonic, auditioning for co-principal and eventually first principal chair, his chamber duo, orchestral style, developments in eduction and the decline of the despotic maestro, the unique characteristics of the Berlin Philharmonic, and specifics about his teaching. Learn more about Klaus at his website: klausstoll.com

We’re concluding our interview (check out part 1 here) with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra bassist Dan Krekeler this week on the podcast. John Grillo and I co-interviewed Dan, which was particularly cool since we’ve both known Dan for many years. I played with Dan in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and John went to Indiana University with him as an undergraduate. It’s great to see an old friend have such great professional success, and it was a lot of fun to catch up with Dan and hear about his experiences on the road to a major orchestral position. In our conversations about audition prep, Dan brings up musician coach Don Greene, and I realized that we’ve never actually talked about Don before on any blog posts or podcasts. This is surprising, since I’m a big fan of Don’s concepts and strategies for successful auditioning, so we’ll have to delve more into that topic at a later date. Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email

John and Jason co-interview Metropolitan Opera Orchestra bassist Dan Krekeler, which was particularly cool since they’ve both known Dan for many years. Jason played with Dan in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and John went to Indiana University with him as an undergraduate. It’s great to see an old friend have such great professional success, and it was a lot of fun to catch up with Dan and hear about his experiences on the road to a major orchestral position.

Here is a full-length recital showcase featuring a performance from double bassist Phillip Serna.  Visit Phillip online at www.phillipwserna.com Northwestern University School of Music Presents a Doctoral Recital Phillip Woodrow Serna, double bass In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Music in Double Bass Performance Double Bass Student of Michael Hovnanian Viola da Gamba Student of Mary Springfels assisted by: Shirley Trissell, piano Sunday, April 27, 2003, 8:30 p.m. Regenstein Recital Hall 60 Arts Circle Drive Evanston, Illinois Sonata in E-Minor, Op.38 (1862-1865)           Johannes Brahms For Violoncello and Piano                                     (1833-1897)     Allegro non troppo     Allegretto quasi Menuetto             Allegro       SHORT INTERMISSION Sonata No.2 in E-Minor, Op.6                               Adolf Mišek For String Bass and Piano                                     (1875-1955)     I. Con fuoco     II. Andante cantabile     III. Furiant: Allegro energico             IV. Finale: Allegro appassionato       SHORT INTERMISSION Sonata (1956)                                                    František Hertl For String Bass and Piano                                           (b. 1906)     I. Allegro moderato     II. Andantino     III. Rondo: Alla polka, moderato         [ENCORE] Vocalise, Op.34, No.14              Serge Rachmaninoff                                                                               (1873-1943) Program Notes Johannes Brahms' Sonata in E-Minor, Op.38 (1862-1865)     In the summer of 1862, Johannes Brahms composed the first two movements of the Sonata for Piano and Violoncello, Op. 38. He later added the final Allegro in June of 1865. Intended as an "homage to J.S. Bach," Brahms based the principal themes of the outer movements on Contrapuntctus 4 and Contrapunctus 13 from "The Art of Fugue." Indeed, beyond these thematic references, fugal interplay is the prevailing device employed throughout the work. The sonata was first performed in July of 1865, and submitted for publication to both Breitkopf & Härtel and Simrock in September of the same year. Breitkopf & Härtel refused to publish the work. Simrock soon accepted it, however, and it was probably published in early 1866. Brahms' famous description of the work, which accompanied his submission to Simrock, remarks that it is "a violoncello sonata which, as regards both instruments, is certainly not difficult to play.     David Cardon, Discordia Music     Discordia Music, a publishing company run by Professor Michael Hovnanian, publishes the edition used for this performance. Discordia specializes in publishing new works and transcriptions for the double bass, as well as to publish premium quality, well-researched, scholarly editions of music part of the standard double bass solo literature. Adolf Mišek's Sonata No.2 in E-Minor, Op.6     The typesetter, composer, conductor, and double bass player Adolf Mišek was born in Modletin, Czechoslovakia in 1875. At age 15, Mišek attended the Academy of Vienna, later conducting as choirmaster of The Czech Choir ,,Tovaovský" and Slavonic Chorus. Additionally, he conducted The Czech Academic Orchestra in Vienna. From 1890 to1894 Mišek was a student of the famous lecturer, Franz Simandl (1840-1912), who in Mišek's time was associated with the Vienna Conservatory, an institution that Mišek would later be engaged as bass professor. From 1920 to 1934 Mišek returned to his place of birth in Bohemia. He returned to Prague where he built a career as a soloist with the National Theatre. He died in Prague in 1955.     Mišek composed various works in different genres for voice, violin, chamber ensembles, and lastly for the double bass. His works for bass include a Scales Study, Legend op. 3 for Double Bass and Piano, a Capriccio (1899), Concert Polonaise, Sonata No.1 in A Major, Op. 5, Sonata No.2 in e minor, Op. 6, Sonata No.3 in F Major, and a Concert in C-major. František Hertl's Sonata (1956)     Composer and double bassist František Hertl was an active member in Czech music throughout his career. From 1920 to1926, Hertl studied double bass at the Prague Conservatory with Professor Fr. Cerny, also studying composition from 1933 to1936. Hertl was solo double bassist in the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (1929-1935) and Czechoslovak Radio Orchestra Prague (1935-1950).  Hertl was director as well as performing member of the Czech Nonet from 1936 to 1950 and 1963 to1966 in addition to his duty as conductor of the Radio Orchestra in Brno (1950-1961). As a pedagogue, Hertl was professor at the Prague Conservatory (1951-1961), at the Leoš Janácek Academy of Music Arts in     Brno (1954-1961), and at the Academy of Music in Prague (1953-1973).     Hertl wrote 35 compositions for orchestra including a Czech Suite (1947), Czech Dances (1947), and a Symfonietta for Oboe and Small Orchestra. Hertl composed a Sonata for Violoncello and Piano as well as various choral works. Hertl also composed a Concert Polka (1948) and a Concert for Double Bass (1957) premiered by František Pošta in 1958. He additionally composed a Prelude, Burlesca, Nocturno, and Tarantella (1969). As pedagogical works, Hertl wrote a Double Bass School  (1962) and 20 Studies  (1965) for Double Bass. The Sonata for Double bass and Piano (1956) was first recorded by his pupil Pavel Horak, a member of Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, now in retirement.  Hertl was directing during the recording process.     Information courtesy of Miloslav Jelinek of the Czech Society of Double Bassists Biography A native of Houston Texas, Phillip W. Serna (viola da gamba) is an active and enthusiastic performer of early music, as well as the contemporary, solo, orchestral, and chamber repertoires. Phillip earned his Bachelor of Music in double bass performance with Stephen Tramontozzi at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 1998. Phillip later completed his Master of Music at Northwestern University School of Music in 2001 as a Civic Orchestra of Chicago Graduate Fellow. On June 16, 2007, Phillip will receive the Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University where he studied double bass with international soloist DaXun Zhang and formerly with Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Michael Hovnanian. Phillip studied viola da gamba with Newberry Consort founder Mary Springfels. Since 2003, Phillip has been principal double bass of the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra and has been recently elected to a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the Northbrook Symphony.  In addition, Phillip has performed regularly with other orchestras such as the Bach Chamber Orchestra & Choir, Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic Orchestra, Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra as well as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. In March of 2007, Phillip will perform Giovanni Bottesini's Concerto No.2 in b-minor with the Waubonsie Valley High School Orchestra in Aurora, IL after having already performed Estonian composer Eduard Tubin's stirring Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra with Northwestern University's Summer Orchestra under the direction of Robert Hasty in July of 2003. Recently joining the board of the Early Music Chicago arts advocacy & performance organization, Phillip regularly performs on viola da gamba and period double bass/ violone with period instrument ensembles and organizations such as the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Ars Antigua, Chicago Early Music Consort, Period Opera Cosi fan Tutte with Chicago Opera Theater, Classical Arts Orchestra, Comic Intermezzo, Early Music Chicago, the Janus Ensemble, the Newberry Consort, the Evelyn Dunbar Memorial Early Music Festival at Northwestern University, the Oriana Singers, the Second City Musick, and the Spirit of  Gambo - a Chicago Consort of  Viols, as well as the Concert for Compassion Viol Consort & the Forces of Virtue Ensemble and Choir, dedicated to raising money for disaster relief and other charities. In addition to his intense performance schedule, Phillip teaches lessons on double bass, bass guitar, guitar, viola da gamba, and presents master classes and workshops on modern and period double bass. As a passionate advocate of early music, Phillip has championed the viola da gamba with his initiative 'Viols in Our Schools,' bringing solo and chamber music for viols into Chicago area classrooms. Phillip also currently teaches at numerous institutions around the Chicago area. Phillip lives in Plainfield, IL with his best friend and wife, Magdalena.Program