Podcasts about principal bass

Edwin Barker is recognized as one of the most gifted bassists on the American concert scene. In this wide-ranging interview, you'll hear about how when he was still a student, he won a job with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and then at age 22, he was appointed to the position of Principal Bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a position he has now held for nearly 50 years. He shared memories of his mentors, and his valuable perspectives on learning and teaching the bass, playing in orchestra, conductors, auditions, acoustics and more. We're featuring his wonderful recent album of solo bass music, Basso Profundo, both J.S. Bach's Suite no. 5 and Weinberg's Sonata Op. 108. You can also watch this on my YouTube, and I've also linked the transcript, everything linked here to my website. It's a joy to bring these inspiring episodes to you every week, and I do all the many jobs of research, production and publicity. Please consider either buying me a coffee on my Ko-fi page, or ordering some of my merchandise. This weekly podcast is in Season 5 and I send out an email newsletter where you can get access to exclusive information about upcoming guests! Navona records link to album: https://edwinbarker.com Weinberg biography I think you may also enjoy these episodes: Mark Deutsch Thomas Cabaniss Jeeyoon Kim Rachel Mercer Hillary Simms Gail Archer Jessica Cottis and so many more ! photo of Edwin Barker: Sam Brewer Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:23) Ed's start on the bass in school music program, Angelo LaMariana (05:33) Henry Portnoi, Peter Mercurio (09:25) New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony (12:37) David Perlman, different schools of bass playing (17:28) Basso Profundo album, Bach suite adaptation for the bass (21:58) Courante from Bach Suite no. 5, from Basso Profundo (link in description) (24:14)bass history, Dragonetti (27:53) Ed's first week in Boston, Mahler 1 (30:28) Seiji Ozawa, orchestra conductors (34:26) composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg, solo bass repertoire (37:34) 3rd movement of the Weinberg Sonata op. 108 (link in description) (40:13) connection between the Bach Suite and the Weinberg sonata (42:01) excerpt of the 5th movement, Lento, of Weinberg sonata (42:56) Weinberg's life (46:43) excerpt of the 6th movement Weinberg sonata (47:22) other episodes you will find interesting, ways to support this series (48:14) the joys and challenges of orchestral playing (56:59) the influence of the acoustics of the hall on an orchestras sound (01:03:13) orchestra auditions (01:10:32) teaching the bass, playing Principal

We're excited to introduce our podcast guest for today, Ben Ticknor! A versatile artist, Ben is the bassist for the band Never Come Down who recently released their new album. He's not just an accomplished musician but also an educator, having studied bass under Jeff Johnson at Portland State University. Currently, he's the Principal Bass of the Oregon East Symphony. And guess what? When he's not creating music, he's a professional Ski Patroller and Avalanche professional on Mt Hood. Stay tuned for a fascinating chat with Ben!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsors! Upton Bass Rosin, developed by Gary Upton, boasts an excellent feel, response, and tone for double bass bows. Gary believes it's the best bass rosin available. It's appreciated by users like Blake Hinson from the New York Philharmonic for its quality and performance.  Learn more about Upton's rosin, basses, and more at uptonbass.com. Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah's website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here. theme music by Eric Hochberg

Matt Hare is well known as a performer and educator. He is on faculty at the University of California at Irvine, Concordia University, and Saddleback College. Dr. Hare also teaches several sections of Music Appreciation and History of Rock online and in the classroom at Saddleback College. He is a string coach at Irvine, Laguna Hills, Trabuco Hills, and University high schools. He frequently gives recitals and master classes that often include his own transcriptions and arrangements.Dr. Hare is a long-time member of the International Society of Bassists. He was a clinician for their Young Bassists' program at the 2009 convention at Penn State, and the 2011 convention in San Francisco.He holds a BA from Bloomsburg University, a MM from Butler University and a DMA from the University of Iowa. Major teachers include Mark R. Jelinek, Diana Gannett, David Murray and Volkan Orhon.Dr. Matt Hare Performs "Barber 10 13"Karr - Koussevitsky BassApril 5th TicketsSupport the showInstagram / Twitter / Youtube / Website / BSA / View More Episodes

Sam Loeck has recently been appointed Principal Bass of Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra. Prior to this position, he served as Principal Bass of the Calgary Philharmonic. He was also a finalist and trialist for Principal Bass of the London Symphony Orchestra. We dig into Sam's path into the world of double bass and his auditioning journey, exploring the twists and turns and lessons learned. Enjoy! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsor!   Dorico - This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that's packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.   The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com     theme music by Eric Hochberg

Phoebe Russell is Principal Bass for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.  She recently released a course on Discover Double Bass titled Smash Your Audition.    We released a YouTube video digging into this course, and in this podcast we cover Phoebe's tips for preparing orchestral excerpts, what it was like to put all of her knowledge into a video course, general life updates, and more.   Check out Phoebe's 2019 podcast appearance here, and be sure to check out her awesome course here!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsors!   Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – The School of Music at CMU highly values each and every individual who wants to be a part of an innovative fine arts community immersed in a top research university.   Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.   theme music by Eric Hochberg

Heather Miller Lardin is Principal Bass with Handel and Haydn Society and plays all over the east coast. We played a couple movements of a sonata by Henry Eccles from his 2nd book of sonatas. Recorded in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Please support this podcast by purchasing goods at www.bachfor2.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/martin-davids/support

Christian Hales joined the Charleston Symphony in 2022 as Principal Bass.  I met him in person here in the San Francisco Bay Area before he departed for this exciting new chapter in his life.  We talk about how he got into music, his initial career goals and how they shifted toward orchestral performance, his audition process and lessons learned along the way, and much more.  Enjoy!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course and Intermediate to Advanced Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio - CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's we bsite and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.   theme music by Eric Hochberg

Gloria Jones Allgood joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at age 20 in 1984, just before completing her Bachelor's Degree in Double Bass Performance at The University of Michigan.   Born into a musical family in Greenville, SC, she studied violin and piano until age 12 when she started studying the bass. She was a member of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra for five years before college, soloing with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at age 14. Six of her summers were spent at Interlochen Center of the Arts, studying with Lawrence Hurst, Oscar Zimmerman, and Jack Budrow. She also studied with her late husband, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principal Bass Ralph Jones for two years in high school.    While at The University of Michigan, Allgood was Principal Bass of the Flint Symphony Orchestra from 1982-1984, and she received the Mitslav Rostropovich Award for Outstanding Musicianship. She studied on Full Fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival in the summers of 1983 and 1984, studying with Stuart Sankey.   Joining the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as a section player, she was promoted to Assistant Principal in 1989 and to Associate Principal in 2001. Additionally, she served as Acting Principal Bass during the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons. She teaches privately, coaches the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, participates in the Talent Development Program and has performed in many chamber music groups around Atlanta. She presently holds the Lucy R. and Gary Lee Jr. Associate Principal Bass Chair.   Gloria Jones Allgood is married to musician and recording engineer William Allgood.   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course and Intermediate to Advanced Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio - CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.   Dorico - Unlock Dorico for iPad – For Life! Want to enjoy all of Dorico for iPad's subscription-only features – including support for unlimited players, freehand annotations in Read mode with Apple Pencil, support for third-party Audio Unit plug-ins, and much more – but don't want to pay a monthly or annual fee? Dorico for iPad now provides a lifetime unlock option, so you can access all current and future subscription-only features for a single, one-off in-app purchase. Visit the App Store today and unlock Dorico for iPad for life!   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.     theme music by Eric Hochberg

The guys chat with Assistant Principal Bass Stephen Molina about college sports, playing accordion, and bonding with other musicians while on tour.

The guys chat with Principal Bass Kevin Brown about what makes a great pizza and trying to teach during the pandemic. DSO and Between 2 Stands super fan Jim Farber talks classical music influence on other music. Originally aired October 2020.

Jackie Pickett hails from Pennsylvania. She began her career as a section bassist with the Jacksonville, Florida Symphony Orchestra. She is Principal Bassist of the Columbus, Georgia Symphony Orchestra and LaGrange Georgia Symphony Orchestra. Pickett serves as Principal Bass of the Colour of Music International Black Classical Musicians Festival. She is an Artist Affiliate at Agnes Scott College. The American double-bassist obtained her Bachelor of Music degree with high honors from West Virginia University; her Master of Music degree from Yale School of Music; and her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her musical abilities cover a wide range of performance genres from album credits with Hip-Hop Artist Monica (The Makings of Me, 2006) to Classical recordings with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra (Conversations in Silence, 2008). Pickett was bassist with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra Nashville) and Atlanta contemporary Ensemble Thamyris. Both ensembles recorded and commissioned numerous new works by composers such as Michael Torke, Tania Leon, Trey Anastasio, Alvin Singleton, Terry Riley and Pauline Oliveros. www.lowbinternational.org https://csoga.org/jacqueline-pickett http://wijsf.org

The Bass is one of the largest and lowest instruments in the orchestra. Learn how it evolved and was used over the centuries, how it can play solos just like any other instrument, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview with Adjunct Associate Professor of Double Bass at the University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music, and Principal Bass of the Cincinnati Symphony, Owen Lee. "You should really want the job when you're preparing for it, but on the day of the audition you shouldn't want the job at all." - Lee "Music is a miracle." - Lee instagram - @detoursinmusicpodcast Facebook - Detours in Music Podcast YouTube - Detours in Music Podcast website - www.detoursinmusicpodcast.com email - detoursinmusicpodcast@gmail.com Podcast artwork - Ana Hart Podcast music - Jack Yagerline --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/detoursinmusic/support

Constance Scheurer grew up in an exceptionally talented family of professional musicians. Constance, a former Ballerina at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater later became a Bluebell in Hello Hollywood Hello in Reno Nevada. As she is struggling to recover from life altering effects of Covid-19, she finds comfort and hope in listening to recordings of her father, Principal Bass of Ballet Russe, and National Symphony in Washington DC and her Grandfather in Berlin Philharmonic. Check out the Patreon www.patreon.com/bluebellsforeverpod Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see photos and updates www.instagram.com/bluebells_forever/ www.facebook.com/Bluebells-Forever-100660515010096

In this edition, Matthew tells Breandáin about his journey from Canberra to becoming a principal player with one the world’s most prestigious music ensembles. He reflects on the effects the current pandemic has had on musicians and shares a hilarious story about taking a swim at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on his way to perform a Mahler Symphony with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

JT and Matt speak with Kristen Bruya, Principal Bass, Minnesota Orchestra

Dave Anderson is one of the most well-known composers writing for the double bass.  In addition to being internationally acclaimed as a composer, Dave serves as Principal Bass for the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans and for the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon. We dig into all kinds of topics, like what the past year has been like, Dave’s recent compositions, including his Nonet for Musaica Chamber Ensemble, which premiered in early 2021.  We also dig into our shared past, Dave’s adventures in the music world, great stories about Edgar Meyer and Frank Proto, and much more.   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 80+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Dorico - Dorico helps you to write music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality — and plays it back with breathtaking realism. It is easy enough for anyone to learn, yet has hundreds of advanced notations, features, options and sounds to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.  With its streamlined, natural user interface, students and those with less experience in scoring can compose and arrange straight into Dorico, making learning the language of music notation much faster and more intuitive. Editing and making changes — such as instrument, time signature or key — are straightforward, with the notation instantly and correctly adapting to include them, reinforcing the learning outcome.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It’s durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Modacity - Are you a practice-savvy musician? Get Modacity – the music practice app that organizes, focuses, and tracks your progress.  Recorder… metronome… tone generator… timer… note taking… Do away with the random assortment of music practice apps in your arsenal. Modacity™ combines all the tools you need into one easy to use, music practice tool.  Organize, focus, and reflect on your practice – motivating you to increase retention in less time.  Modacity has a special offer for Contrabass Conversations listeners that includes lifetime access to the app.     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 theme music by Eric Hochberg

Introducing Pisces artist Colin Chatfield curated by Aries artist Christina Chatfield for Libra Radio. Colin’s production style invokes a go with the flow Pisces retro tech house Y2K vibe. His 20+ years as a professional classical musician gave him a great ear to deliver a refined set, and his sound design takes some unexpected darker turns within an otherwise laid back presentation. Colin has recently relocated to the Midwest after living abroad where he worked as Principal Bass in Orquestra Filarmonica de Minas Gerais, Brazil & Section Bass in Orquesta Filarmonica de Jalisco, Mexico.

Jon McCullough-Benner recently released a great new book called An Auditioning Double Bassist's Tool Kit: Bowings, Fingerings, and Useful Tips for Standard Audition Repertoire.  In this book, he shares his wealth of knowledge learned over his years in a detailed and compelling fashion.   Jon joined the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as its Principal Bass in 2017 after serving as Principal Bass for the Oregon Symphony.  He also serves as the Assistant Principal Bass for the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra and is an Artist-Faculty member of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.   Check out my YouTube review of this book here, and check out my 2017 conversation with Jon for more details about his background.  Enjoy!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 80+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Dorico - Dorico helps you to write music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality — and plays it back with breathtaking realism. It is easy enough for anyone to learn, yet has hundreds of advanced notations, features, options and sounds to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.  With its streamlined, natural user interface, students and those with less experience in scoring can compose and arrange straight into Dorico, making learning the language of music notation much faster and more intuitive. Editing and making changes — such as instrument, time signature or key — are straightforward, with the notation instantly and correctly adapting to include them, reinforcing the learning outcome.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It’s durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Practizma - The Practizma practice journal is packed with research based strategies to turn your ho-hum practice into extraordinary practice.  Develop your curiosity, discipline, creativity, daring, tenacity and zen.  Take a journey with four elements each week: goal setting, reflection prompt, action challenge, and journal pages to track your practice.  Curious? Download the introductory chapter of the journal for free - this gives you an idea of what it's all about.   Modacity - Are you a practice-savvy musician? Get Modacity – the music practice app that organizes, focuses, and tracks your progress.  Recorder… metronome… tone generator… timer… note taking… Do away with the random assortment of music practice apps in your arsenal. Modacity™ combines all the tools you need into one easy to use, music practice tool.  Organize, focus, and reflect on your practice – motivating you to increase retention in less time.  Modacity has a special offer for Contrabass Conversations listeners that includes lifetime access to the app.   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 theme music by Eric Hochberg

Ian Hallas has had quite a journey on the road to his position as Principal Bass of the Lyric Opera Orchestra.  We first spoke for the podcast in early 2016 after winning a section bass position, and he won three additional auditions for Lyric for title chairs.   We talk about what it’s like auditioning for another job in your same orchestra, how his audition process has evolved since our conversation four years ago, what he learned along the journey, and much more!    Ian teaches bass privately and also for Northwestern University, so don’t hesitate to send him an email if you’d like to study with this incredible teacher!   About Ian: Ian Hallas began his tenure as Principal Bass of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in 2019 after joining the section in 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Research and Creativity from Rice University where he studied with Paul Ellison as well as a master’s degree from the University of Southern California under David Moore. He has also been heavily influenced by Chris Hanulik and Todd Seeber and has worked extensively with master luthier Mike Shank. In addition to the Lyric Opera, Ian has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit, Atlanta and Milwaukee Symphonies and the Grant Park Orchestra. Ian was an award-winning fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center. He was also an invited guest chamber musician at Spoleto Festival USA where he performed with the St. Lawrence quartet and members of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Additionally, he has attended the Aspen Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, and Domaine Forget Summer Music Academy. He serves on faculty at Northwestern's Bienen School of Music and maintains a private studio on the north shore of Chicago. He also teaches at the National Music Festival and was a teaching assistant at the Double Bass Workshop at BUTI. In his spare time, Ian enjoys running, laughing and spending time with his wife, playing with his two Siberian Forest cats and expanding his bourbon collection.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Thank you to our sponsors!   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It’s durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Practizma - The Practizma practice journal is packed with research based strategies to turn your ho-hum practice into extraordinary practice.  Develop your curiosity, discipline, creativity, daring, tenacity and zen.  Take a journey with four elements each week: goal setting, reflection prompt, action challenge, and journal pages to track your practice.  Curious? Download the introductory chapter of the journal for free - this gives you an idea of what it's all about. Modacity - Are you a practice-savvy musician? Get Modacity – the music practice app that organizes, focuses, and tracks your progress.  Recorder… metronome… tone generator… timer… note taking… Do away with the random assortment of music practice apps in your arsenal. Modacity™ combines all the tools you need into one easy to use, music practice tool.  Organize, focus, and reflect on your practice – motivating you to increase retention in less time.  Modacity has a special offer for Contrabass Conversations listeners that includes lifetime access to the app.   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 theme music by Eric Hochberg

When else do you ever get to sit down and talk to both of these extraordinary beings at once? This has got to be one of the biggest silver linings for me! Join us as Nancy and Leigh tell us about how they got started on their instruments, share hilarious stories on the job, talk about the cool nooks and crannies of the behind the scenes backstage area at the MET Opera House, impart their wisdom on auditions, the ins and outs of sitting in the orchestra, and what their roles specifically entail. Nancy has been the Associate Concertmaster of the MET orchestra since 1989, and Leigh has been the Associate Principal Bass since 1993. Leigh is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, and Nancy graduated from Stanford University and the Vienna Hochschule für Musik. Their performances have taken them across the globe and they are also very much looked upto for their pedagogy. Nancy currently teaches at the Mannes School of Music, and Leigh at Bard Conservatory of Music. They are also the violin and bass coaches for musicians at the Verbier Festival in the summers! They are also just the most awesome people ever and I learn so much from just speaking with them. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/julia-choi/support

Kees Boersma has had a remarkable musical career.  In addition to serving as Principal Bass of the Sydney Symphony since 1990, Kees teaches at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is an active clinician and guest artist. I had the opportunity to catch up with Kees in person during my trip to Australia.  He was one of the headliners for the Melbourne BassDay, and we met up in a charming Fitzroy coffeeshop to talk through what he played on his recital for this event, his varied career, favorite gig stories, what it’s like behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and much more.  Enjoy! Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: 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.   Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. 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. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop 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! Modacity   Modacity is a practicing app that helps musicians be more effective at practice.  They help you get the results you want, while keeping you encouraged and motivated to stick with it and reach those goals – however big, or small, they may be.    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. 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!

After 30 years as Principal Bass of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Steve Reeves decided to retire and move on to other projects.  This happened to coincide with my trip to Australia for Rob Nairn’s Melbourne Bass Day, and I had the chance to meet up with Steve over coffee and chat about his career, why he decided to retire, and what he has learned serving as a principal player for three decades. Steve is a great person and a wonderful musician, and we had a lot of fun in this wide-ranging conversation.  Enjoy!   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: 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.   Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. 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. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop 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! Modacity   Modacity is a practicing app that helps musicians be more effective at practice.  They help you get the results you want, while keeping you encouraged and motivated to stick with it and reach those goals – however big, or small, they may be.    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. 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!

It was such a pleasure to meet and spend time with Kirsty McCahon during my trip to Australia in late 2019.  Kirsty has worn many hats as a musician over the years, from holding the position of Principal Bass with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra for 20 years to her current roles as Principal Bass with Pinchgut, Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra, Bach Akademie Australia.  We also chat about the surprising health scare that Kirsty had in 2011 and how she navigated through it. Kirsty is a treasure trove of musical knowledge and is an incredibly articulate person.  It was so great to spend time with her in person during my 2019 trip to Australia! Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: 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.   Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. 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. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop 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! Modacity   Modacity is a practicing app that helps musicians be more effective at practice.  They help you get the results you want, while keeping you encouraged and motivated to stick with it and reach those goals – however big, or small, they may be.    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. 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!

Cory Palmer recently won the position of Principal Bass with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.  We first met in person at the 2019 Pittsburgh Double Bass Symposium, and it was great to sit down and do a deep dive on his career thus far. We cover a variety of topics, including: studying at Peabody with John Hood studying with Orin O’Brien at the Manhattan School of Music Cory’s path from Carnegie Mellon University into the freelance world how he continued to level up his playing refining his audition process highs and lows along his journey using Modacity to practice It was a blast chatting with Cory, and I know you’ll learn a lot from his journey! Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: 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.   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. Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. 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. 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. Texas Hill Country Bass Collective Join them July 22 thru July 25 for our 6th annual Austin Bass Workshop at the amazing Westlake High School.  Come join friends from the Texas Hill Country Bass Collective for four days of music, bass, and fun and work with 2019 featured guest artist (and past Contrabass Conversations guest) Dennis Whittaker! The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop 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! 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!

Joseph Conyers is obsessed with winter storms. Joe and Kai talk about bodybuilding and the benefits of working out (1:30), growing up around the church and how spirituality plays into his life now (14:50), and why he finds the weather so fascinating (20:50). They also discuss Project 440 and how he sees music as a way to help the youth (37:50), and the changes they want to see in the classical music industry (55). 

It is such a pleasure to have Phoebe Russell on the podcast! Phoebe joined the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 2017 as Principal Bass after graduating from the Berlin Philharmonic’s Karajan Academy.  Phoebe is originally from Melbourne, Australia. She has worked with a remarkable number of professional orchestras across the globe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester, the Netherlands Philharmonic and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Phoebe has also built a remarkable career outside of the orchestra as a soloist, and she is the lecturer in double bass at The University of Queensland and a faculty member of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. We dig into all kinds of topics, like Phoebe’s musical journey from Melbourne to Berlin, how studying in Berlin shaped her bass playing, spending time with Gary Karr, this year’s Women in Bass concert celebrating fantastic double bass women from Australia and New Zealand, and much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and be sure to follow Phoebe on Instagram and also check out her awesome appearance on TwoSetViolin’s YouTube Channel!   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: 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.   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.   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. 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. Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop 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!   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!

We are  very pleased to have my longtime friend and incredible musician John Brown join us on the show tonight...Bassist, composer, educator and actor John Brown is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and currently resides in Durham, NC. He is a graduate of the School of Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the School of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently serves as Director of the Jazz Program and Associate Professor of the Practice of Music at Duke University, and has served on the faculties of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University and Guilford College (NC).When he was very young, John took piano lessons from Frances Hunter (a close family friend), and began studying the bass when he was just 9 years old with his beloved teacher, Susan Ellington. He has been performing ever since. John began performing with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (NC) at age 13, and he was playing Principal Bass with that orchestra and performing with the Florence Symphony (SC) while still in high school.As a student at UNC-Greensboro, he performed with the Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Roanoke (VA) Symphony Orchestras.John has since performed in the United States and abroad with artists like Wynton Marsalis, Elvin Jones, Nnenna Freelon, Diahann Carroll, Rosemary Clooney, Nell Carter, Slide Hampton, Nicholas Payton to name a few. John also has a Grammy nomination for his performance and co-writing on Nnenna Freelon’s 1996 Concord release, Shaking Free. His extensive experience includes performances at many notable venues and festivals like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Playboy Jazz Festival and  Montreal Jazz FestivalEqually gifted in other areas of performance, John has performed for theatre, Television, and FIlm

Rex Surany is the new Principal bass of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He is also working as an assistant teacher in cooperation with Harold Robinson, the Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, at the Juilliard School.   His musical education began with piano lessons when he was 7 years old. After two years of piano, he switched exclusively to double bass with Robert Peterson of Trenton, New Jersey. In 2002, upon completing the Vance repertoire with Peterson, Rex then started to study Rabbath Method with Nicholas Walker, double bass Professor at Ithaca college, and joined the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra under maestro Joseph Primavera's direction.   Rex's first year of college, in 2006, was spent at The Colburn School in Los Angeles. There he studied with David Moore and Paul Ellison. After a year, he was admitted to the Curtis Institute of Music, where, in addition to studying double bass, he found and pursued interests in composing, transcribing, and arranging that continue today.   A few weeks after graduating from Curtis, in May 2012, Rex became a temporary member of the New York Philharmonic with Alan Gilbert as Music Director. While Rex was working at “The Phil”, he spent a lot of his relief and vacation time traveling to Berlin to study the Berlin Philharmonic tradition and German bow technique with Matthew McDonald and Janne Saksala; first principal basses. After two years of working in New York, studying in Berlin, and auditioning in North America, Europe, and even Scandanavia, Rex finally won his first audition for a section position at the Metropolitan Opera in 2014. And only one year later, he won the principal position.   Rex has won numerous accolades in both solo and orchestral bass realms. In June 2009, he was awarded 2nd prize of the ISB (International Society of Bassists) Orchestral Competition. The following summer, he was and the 3rd prize-winner of the 2010 Bradetich Foundation International Solo Competition. In 2011, Rex was the 2nd prize-winner at the ISB Solo competition. Rex has performed with many orchestras including: the Pittsburgh Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Haddonfield “Symphony in C”, the Boston Symphony, the American Ballet Theatre, the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan opera. He has given master classes and recitals at Ithaca College, Brigham Young University, and Fort Lewis College.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. 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.   The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop 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!   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. 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!

A podcast listener recently suggested that I re-interview Colin Corner about how he has managed to win audition after audition.  It turned out that I would be in Portland, Oregon for a couple weeks, and Colin and I sat down for a terrific deep-dive into auditioning, the role of a principal bassist, and much more. Prior to his current positions of principal bass for the Oregon Symphony and Grant Park Symphony, Colin played principal bass for the Atlanta Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic.  He also held positions in the Minnesota Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony, and Louisiana Philharmonic. I originally interviewed Colin back in 2007 when he was playing in the Minnesota Orchestra, and I caught up with him briefly in 2009 after he’d moved into his role as principal bass of the Rochester Philharmonic.  It was such a pleasure to dig into Colin’s experiences over this past decade.  There are a tremendous amount of valuable takeaways from this conversation! 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 Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets.   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 Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

We are chatting with Daniel Smith on today’s podcast!  Daniel recently joined the San Francisco Symphony as associate principal bass after spending two seasons in the San Diego Symphony double bass section. About Daniel Smith: A native to Southern California, bassist Daniel Smith was recently appointed Associate Principal Bass of the San Francisco Symphony after performing for two seasons with the San Diego Symphony.  Mr. Smith graduated from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in 2013 under the tutelage of Timothy Pitts. After four years of pursuing music, as well as a biochemistry minor, Mr. Smith travelled to Bali, Indonesia, where he spent four months volunteering and teaching music at an orphanage known as Bali Life. Two months following his return home, Mr. Smith was appointed Principal Bass of the Santa Barbara Symphony in February of 2014. As an active freelancer, Mr. Smith has performed with ensembles such as the New World Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Hawaii Symphony, California Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. His festival appearances include the Music Academy of the West, Idyllwild Festival Orchestra and Pacific Music Festival in Hokkaido, Japan. Mr. Smith loves collaborating with other artists in pursuit of alternative forms and styles of music. Much of this pursuit has been spent writing and touring with Nashville-based Sony singer/songwriter Tim Timmons. Mr. Smith is equally passionate for the discovery of new music as for travel and experiencing world cultures. He has spent time at orphanages and cultural centers in Bali, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Honduras and Mexico teaching proper hygiene, practical life skills, surf lessons and music. Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: D'Addario Strings 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. 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. The English Double Bass Book The English Double Bass Book examines the great English double bass makers of the 18th and 19th Century, illustrating in fine detail the incredible work they produced. It also explores the fascinating story of how the double bass came to England, its development guided by the great Venetian virtuoso Domenico Dragonetti, and the rise and fall of the English double bass makers. To pre-order your limited-edition copy, please visit www.theenglishdoublebass.com. 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 this half of this interview with bassist Szymon Marciniak (2nd place - Bradetich International Double Bass Solo Competition and Principal Bass, Dortmunder Philharmoniker) and pianist Evan Mitchell, the pair talk about meeting at the TCU International Bass Festival, collaborating with composer Frank Proto, and go into detail about the nature of one-on-one collaborations and the chemistry involved. Musical Selection: "Michaela's Aria" from Carmen Fantasy by Frank Proto

I had such a great time spending a week with Diego at Andrés Martin’s bass festival this fall.  Diego is one of the most inspiring double bassists I know, and he's doing great things for the double bass both in Spain and in his home country of Uruguay. About Diego Zecharies: Diego Zecharies is a highly dedicated professional musician who has mastered his art globally, branching out as recording artist, professor, soloist, principal bass, producer and pedagogue, born in Montevideo Uruguay, nowadays based in Spain. Diego began his studies in his hometown, continues in Jerusalem and graduated with the highest qualification in the ÜdK Berlin (University of Arts Berlin) under the guidance of Prof. Rainer Zepperitz, Prof. Klaus Stoll and violin Prof. Ilan Gronich. During his studies, Diego performed as a principal bass at the Mahler Jugend Orchester, the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie and the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra. He won the Friczay Stipendium at Deutsche Symphonie Orchester Berlin and played as a substitute with the Rundfunk Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. Diego served as Principal Bass position in The Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the bandArt Orchestra, Brandenburg Symphoniker, Philharmonie Potsdam, and Sinfonica di Milano. He also is assiduously invited as Principal Bass at the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana (Lugano, Switzerland); the Ensemble Les-Dissonances (Paris) with violinist David Grimal; collaborated with the the Israel Philharmonic; the Jerusalem Chamber Orchestra and the Luzern Festival Orchestra, recording together with Maestro Abbado many concerts for ARTE and for the Deutsche Grammophone. Diego played chamber music concerts with Emmanuel Ax, Christian Zacharias and Elizabeth Leonskaya, symphonic concerts with world-class conductors such as Mehta, Maazel, Abbado, Nagano, Ashkenazy, Temirkanov, Pappano, Sinopoli, Ozawa, Welzer Möst and soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Yuri Bashmet, Anna Sophie Mutter, F.P. Zimmerman, Martha Argerich, Alfred Brendel, Maurizio Pollini, Gordan Nikolic and others, always as Principal Bass. Diego is Principal Solo Bass in Galicia Symphony Orchestra from the year 2002. Renowned as a very active and passionate soloist, Diego’s research has brought him to perform some world-premiere material including entire unaccompanied Double Bass recitals, like at the BASS EUROPE Convention in Amsterdam 2014 and ISB World Convention 2015 in Denver (U.S.A) with great appreciation both critics and public. Diego appeared as soloist with: the Chamber Orchestra of Galicia Symphony; the Camerata of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Montevideo; the Galicia Symphony Orchestra; the OJS of Montevideo, the Orquesta de Baja California,among others and gave the opening unaccompanied Double Bass recital for the UNESCO Chair Culture of Peace and Human Rights under the World Peace Forum 2010. Diego has given numerous master classes in Europe, South América and South Korea, been assigned as coach on many youth orchestras across Spain and Germany and has recently been appointed as Director of the International Double Bass Festival of Montevideo and Director of the Double-Bass Cathedra of the Uruguayan National Orchestral Training Plan. This cathedra foresees a minimum of 3 seminars with solo recitals and telematic virtual master classes given throughout the year, plus an international festival every 2 years. In Spain, Diego is the Artistic Director of the “ReSuena Project”, which brings together kids from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, throughout the creation of youth symphony orchestras and choirs all over the city, project originally inspired on Venezuela’s “El Sistema de Orquestas”. Links to Check Out: Diego's website Music For Double Bass Solo, Duo And Quintett (new album) Montevideo International Double Bass Festival 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 Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

It has been such a pleasure getting to know Charles Chandler since moving to San Francisco!  In addition to playing in the San Francisco Symphony, Charles teaches at the San Francisco Academy Orchestra and is an active soloist and chamber musician.  He is actively involved with the Golden Gate Bass Camp and other Bay Area double bass events and is a champion of new and previously undiscovered works for the double bass. More About Charles: Bassist Charles Chandler has been a member of the San Francisco Symphony since 1992. Prior to his current position, he was Associate Principal Bass and Soloist with the Phoenix Symphony. He also served as Principal Bass of the Carmel Bach Festival Orchestra and the New York 20th Century Chamber Players. His primary teachers were Shinji Eshima of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and David Walter at the Juilliard School. His numerous honors and awards include the San Francisco Symphony Pepsi Cola Young Musician Award, the Pittenger Scholarship, the Irving Klein Scholarship, and first prize in the A.S.T.A. National String Competition. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from Juilliard in 1987, Charles Chandler was selected to perform as a member of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. Playing with Marin Symphony, he has enjoyed performing with his wife Van, a violinist. He also performs at the Music@Menlo Festival and Chamber Music Sundaes series and frequently records at Skywalker Ranch. Mr. Chandler resides in San Francisco with his wife and their daughter Julie. When not playing on his 1750 double bass made by the Venetian luthier, Domenico Busan, he enjoys organic gardening, bicycling, hiking and spending time with his family. Music Featured on this Episode: Rossini Duetto - 1st Movement (Charles Chandler and Amos Yang, recital live in Davies Hall, 2014) Francesco Burlone Sonata No. 8 for Two Basses “The Ferrret” - Mov. 1 Allegro Appassionato - with Charles Chandler & Mark Wright, double bass Francesco Burlone - Prelude to Act III from the opera “Phoebus and Daphne” arranged by the composer for cello and 2 double basses (Amos Yang, Mark Wright, and Charles Chandler, recital live in Davies Hall) Francesco Burlone "Gambo d’ amore” from the opera “La Vigna Incantevole” for Bass and Piano (Sujeevah Hapugalle, piano) Francesco Burlone “O! Mie Stelle” from the opera “Galileo” for bass and piano (Sujeevah Hapugalle, piano) Pierre-Louis Hus Desforges Sonata for Cello and bass (with Amos Yang live in Davies Hall) Links to Check Out: Charles' website Charles' San Francisco Symphony page Charles' San Francisco Academy Orchestra page Shinji Eshima Interview (Shinji taught Charles during high school) Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: 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. 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! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

David Neubert was one of the early champions of the International Society of Bassists. He hosted conventions at UT-Austin (1986) and Interlochen (1993). He was the Principal Bass of the Springfield Symphony (Massachusetts), the Wichita Symphony and recently retired from the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He was a double bass professor at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Wichita State University, and The University of Texas at Austin. We talk about a wide range of topics, including: David's early years in Northern California the accomplishments of former students of his David’s cross-country career path the Reinshagen (New Work) and Torello (Philadelphia) schools of playing David Walter and his Melodious Bass book Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB! 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! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Jon McCullough-Benner serves as principal bass of the Milwaukee Symphony, assistant principal bass of the Grant Park Symphony, and is on faculty at Roosevelt University.  Jon joins the Milwaukee Symphony after serving as principal bass with the Oregon Symphony. We dig into: studying with Owen Lee, Albert Laszlo, and Bruce Bransby the dangers of getting too tied up in rhythm and pitch fundamentals Jon's "early bird gets the worm" philosophy why practicing at quarter note = 60 works so well ...and much more! Follow along with all of our audition-related content at contrabassconversations.com/auditioning Links to check out: double bass study at Roosevelt University see Jon teach and perform at the Chicago Bass Festival in 2017 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!

Sometimes I get a guest recommendation repeatedly, which is a sure sign that I need to sit down with them and do an interview. This is completely the case with Tracy Rowell.   Tracy is an active performer and teacher in the Cleveland area. Formerly the Assistant Principal Bassist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, Canada, Tracy currently serves as Principal Bass for CityMusic Cleveland. She has also performed with orchestras such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, and Carmel Bach Festival. We dig into all sorts of topics, like: studying with Paul Ellison and Ed Barker playing in the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, CA moving to Ohio attending George Vance’s summer bass workshop starting to teach the double bass to 5-year-olds the brilliance of the Suzuki “Mother Tongue” concept how focusing on sound above all else is critical for teaching beginners learning how 90% of playing the cello happens pre-Twinkle ...and much more! This was a fun conversation for me--Tracy is doing great things for the bass! Links to check out: Tracy's Oberlin page Tracy performing Reitba by François Rabbath (YouTube) Playing the String Game by Phyllis Young (a book Jason mentions) Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets. Enter our latest string giveaway for Helicore strings 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.  

Joseph Conyers is a remarkable musician, educator, and civic leader. In 2007, Ebony magazine named him one of ‘30 Leaders 30 and under'. In addition to his position in the Philadelphia Orchestra, Joe is the Music Director for the School District of Philadelphia's All City music program, and founder of Project 440, an organization that provides high school students with opportunities and tools for individual growth and community impact. Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful, restful holiday! What a great way to start 2017 interviewing one of the most remarkable people I know, Joe Conyers. I've known Joe since his student days at Curtis, and it's been such a joy and an inspiration to see his incredible life journey and passion for giving to others, from his tenures at the Atlantic and Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestras, to his current leadership position in the Philadelphia Orchestra, All City Music Program, and his remarkable organization, Project 440. Joe was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me backstage at the Kimmel Center to record this interview. Links Project 440 website: http://www.project440.org/ Joe's bio on The Philadelphia Orchestra website: https://www.philorch.org/about/musicians/joseph-conyers#/

Today’s episode features Indianapolis Symphony principal bassist Ju-Fang Liu. We had a great conversation about growing up in Taiwan, her years studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy and at Indiana University with Lawrence Hurst and Bruce Bransby, her time in New World, teaching, playing jazz, studying bass overseas, and several other topics. We also feature excerpts from her wonderful solo album, which I highly recommend checking out—it really is bass playing at its finest. Enjoy! About Ju-Fang: Ju-Fang Liu was appointed Principal Bass of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra by Maestro Mario Venzago in 2003, shortly after receiving her bachelor and master's degrees in double bass performance from Indiana University. There she studied with notable bass pedagogues Bruce Bransby and Larry Hurst. In addition, she has worked with other internationally-known teachers such as Edwin Barker, Edger Meyer, Harold Robinson, Stuart Stankey, Lawrence Wolf and Tim Cobb. Ms. Liu’s musical interests encompass all aspects of musical performance. She was a repeat performer in the world-renowned Marlboro Music Festival working with the top chamber music professionals of our time as well as performing in the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. A sensitive and thoughtful performer, she is constantly in demand in Indianapolis’ various chamber music venues. Ju-Fang has been a finalist for the Boston Symphony as well as for the Atlanta Symphony Principal position in 2014, and has appeared with the Chicago Symphony. In addition, she has performed as co-principal with the New World Symphony. Her solo concerto performances have included the Bottesini, Koussevitzky and Tubin concerti, the latter performed under the baton of Maestro Venzago. She is also the first performer to win both the Solo and Orchestral Categories (Adult/Professional) of the International Society of Bassists competitions. Ju-Fang has always had a serious interest in teaching and pedagogy and has previously taught at DePauw University and Indiana University. She joined the faculty of the Butler University School of Music in Indianapolis in 2014. Ms. Liu has given master classes in Columbia, working with the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia and has been a guest artist at the Taipei National School of the Arts and the Beijing Central Conservatory and other conservatories in China and Taiwan, performing recitals and giving classes. Always seeking to improve her musical scope, Ju-Fang was awarded a Creative Renewal Grant from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and has added the electric bass and jazz study to her resume. Her solo cd is available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/JuFangLiu.

We're featuring San Francisco Symphony Principal Double Bass and University of Michigan faculty member Scott Pingel on this week's show.  In addition to holding down the principal bass chair for the San Francisco Symphony, Scott taught for several years at the San Francisco Conservatory, and he served as Principal Bass of the Charleston Symphony prior to his appointment in San Francisco. This was really a great interview, and it was a pleasure to connect again with Scott (we played together for the Spoleto Festival over a decade ago).  You'll learn a lot about how Scott approaches practicing for auditions, his interesting path to becoming a bass player, and the instruments and bows on which he has spent the last several years performing. About Scott: Scott Pingel began playing the double bass at age 17 because of a strong interest in jazz, Latin, and classical music. In 2004, at age 29, he became the principal bass of the San Francisco Symphony and was named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the most prominent additions to the ensemble. Previously, Pingel served as principal bass of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, the Metamorphosen Chamber Orchestra, and served as guest principal with the National Arts Center Orchestra in Canada. His solo performances with ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Academy Orchestra, and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and in recitals frequently consisting of his own arrangements, have been met with high critical acclaim. As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with such luminaries as Yo-Yo Ma, Julia Fischer, Gilbert Kalish, Wu Han, Joseph Silverstein, Yefim Bronfman, and members of the esteemed Emerson, Miro, Pacifica, St. Lawrence, Danish, and Takacs Quartets. He can often be heard at the Music@Menlo and Music in the Vineyards festivals and on television and radio programs including NPR's Performance Today. Formerly active as a jazz musician and electric bassist, Pingel worked with greats including Michael Brecker, Geoff Keezer, and James Williams, and performed in venues from Birdland in New York to Fasching in Stockholm. Pingel has taught masterclasses at prestigious institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music, The Julliard School, Colburn School, Boston University, Manhattan School of Music, Shanghai Conservatory, Beijing Central Conservatory, and the New World Symphony. Pingel's primary instructors were James Clute, Peter Lloyd, and Timothy Cobb. He earned a BM degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a MM degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and spent two years as a fellow at the New World Symphony. Outside of music, Pingel spent many years studying the ancient Korean martial art of Hwa Rang Do, in which he holds a black belt. He was an instructor at the Madison Academy of Hwa Rang Do and founded the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Hwa Rang Do/Tae Soo Do Program, which continues to this day. Pingel lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Iris, and their daughters, Hannah and Sophia. Vanhal complete performance with San Francisco Academy Orchestra Scott's "dueling banjos" cadenza video email: feedback@contrabassconversations.com phone (call-in number--we'll play your message on the show!): 415-952-5643

This week on the podcast: RBC Resident Conductor Earl Lee on A Christmas Circus. Plus, Principal Bass Jeffrey Beecher talks about how a poker game led to a collaboration with Billy Talent. Music courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.

This week, we’re featuring an interview with double bassist Barry Lieberman. The former Assistant Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Principal Bass of the Winnipeg Symphony, Barry now serves as co-director of The American String Project, an innovative string ensemble which features arrangements of string quartets for small string ensemble with double bass. In this interview, we discuss Barry's recent TASP CD release on MSR Classics, his orchestral solo tutorials on his YouTube channel, upcoming possible future video projects, and designing a bass rosin that really works.  

We’re featuring double bassist Barry Green on Contrabass Conversations this week. In addition to being an influential bassist and teacher (he served as Principal Bass for the Cincinnati Symphony for 28 years, has written many method books, and currently teaches in the San Francisco Bay Area), Barry is the well-known author of The Inner Game of Music, The Mastery of Music, and Bringing Music to Life.

We’re featuring an interview with and music from Joel Quarrington this week of Contrabass Conversations. Joel is the former Principal Bass of the Toronto Symphony and currently serves as Principal Bass for the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada. In addition to his orchestral duties, Joel maintains an active career as a solo and chamber artist, touring internationally in this capacity and performing a wide range of repertoire. This week’s episode begins with a recording of Joel performing the fourth movement from the Sonata For Solo Contrabass by Weinberg, and the episode concludes after the interview with Joel’s performance of the Bottesini Elegy. Both of these tracks are from his new album Garden Scene. Learn more about this album and Joel’s numerous other projects atwww.joelquarrington.com.

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 the interview that we began on CBC 114 with double bassist Mark Morton, who is currently professor of bass at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and has also served as Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony. Mark was the first prize winner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, and he was the assistant double bass instructor for Gary Karr at the Hartt School of Music. He is well-known for writing and publishing the “Dr. Morton” series of books on the art of bass playing, and he is the founder of the American School of Double Bass. We start this segment of our interview discussing Mark’s Simandl-Plus® approach and how it increases the number of techniques available to the modern bassist, as well as some specific examples in orchestra repertoire where these kind of techniques can be used. We also talk about when Mark starts using the third finger and the thumb on the neck, adopting a more flexible approach than advocated in Simandl technique. We also discuss melodic gestures and when to shift according to a particular gesture, lyrical and technical fingerings and when to use them, shifting strategies, the value of Simandl and how it teaches the “grid” of the fingerboard, Mark’s fingerboard mapping system, and some of his upcoming projects. We also feature a recording this week of Mark playing the Gliere Tarantella from his albumRussian Rendezvous, which is available from CD Baby or the iTunes Music Store. I recommend downloading Mark’s Simandl-Plus® packet and following along with our discussion to get a more complete idea of how he implements these concepts. Links: American School of Double Bass, Texas Tech School of Music Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email

We’re featuring an interview with double bassist Mark Morton, who is currently professor of bass at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and has also served as Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony. Mark was the first prize winner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, and he was the assistant double bass instructor for Gary Karr at the Hartt School of Music. He is well-known for writing and publishing the “Dr. Morton” series of books on the art of bass playing, and he is the founder of the American School of Double Bass. We talk about double bass technique in great detail during this interview, particularly about Mark’s approach to left hand fingering systems and his Simandl-Plus® system of fingering. I’d recommend downloading Mark’s Simandl-Plus® packet and following along with our discussion to get a more complete idea of how he implements these concepts. Links: American School of Double Bass, Trios for Deep Voices, Texas Tech School of Music Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email  

Contrabass Conversations Co-host John Grillo and Jason conclude their interview with Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Max Dimoff this week. Before winning his job with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max served as Principal Bass of the San Antonio Symphony and Section Bass for the Grant Park Symphony and Seattle Symphony. In this second segment of our interview with Max, we cover the use of rhythms in practicing solo and orchestral music, why he finds warm-up exercises useful, standing versus sitting, and audition preparation advice. Max's Warm-Ups Max Dimoff Warm-Up Packet (PDF) In addition to serving as Principal Bass with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max is on faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Jeff Bradetich, his former teacher from Northwestern University. Max and Jeff team teach the CIM bass studio in a very interesting arrangement which we discuss during our interview.

Contrabass Conversations Co-host John Grillo and Jason interview Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Max Dimoff this week. Before winning his job with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max served as Principal Bass of the San Antonio Symphony and Section Bass for the Grant Park Symphony and Seattle Symphony. In this second segment of our interview with Max, we cover the use of rhythms in practicing solo and orchestral music, why he finds warm-up exercises useful, standing versus sitting, and audition preparation advice. Max's Warm-Ups Max Dimoff Warm-Up Packet (PDF) In addition to serving as Principal Bass with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max is on faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Jeff Bradetich, his former teacher from Northwestern University. Max and Jeff team teach the CIM bass studio in a very interesting arrangement which we discuss during our interview.

This fascinating bass sonata clocks in at almost 40 minutes (!) and was written by Marshall Fine for double bassist John Chiego. John Chiego, bass Deborah Heath, piano recorded live at the University of Memphis 2/14/98 1. Homage to A.T. (13:06) 2. Scherzo: La Vendetta (5:12) 3. Warrington-Variations (20:55) About Marshall Fine: Currently Assistant Principal Violist of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Marshall Fine is a versatile composer/performer who plays both violin and viola with equal facility. His output includes three symphonies, an oratorio, La Dolorosa, a violin concerto, and many sonatas (six for viola, three for violin). He received his DMA in 1990 from the University of Memphis. In addition to his orchestra position, he also arranges for his string quartet, the Bluff City String Quartet, and for other ensembles. This sonata was written for John Chiego, former principal bass of the Memphis Symphony, who is currently professor of double bass at the University of Memphis. About John Chiego: Mr. John Chiego, is Professor of Double Bass and the Associate Director for Curriculum and Instruction in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. Mr. Chiego currently serves as the Principal Bass of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra and is the bassist for the Orpheum Theatre Orchestra in Memphis, playing for touring Broadway shows. He was the long time Principal Bass of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and served on the faculties of the Hot Springs Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, the Allegheny Summer Music Festival, the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. He has also been an Artist-in-Residence at the Bay View Chamber Music Festival. As a recitalist and clinician, Mr. Chiego has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, with featured solo recitals at the Edinburgh International Double Bass Festival and The International Society of Bassists’ worldwide convention in Houston, Texas. A champion of modern instruments, Mr. Chiego recorded his first CD, It’s a Bass Thing, featuring a double bass built by Thomas Kelischek. Mr. Chiego currently plays instruments made by American bass maker Rumano Solano exclusively. Mr. Chiego has been a member of the editorial board for The American String Teacher magazine, a journal for which he has written articles on double bass pedagogy and technique, and has served as Tennessee Chapter President of the American String Teachers Association. Mr. Chiego is the author of The Musical Experience, a popular textbook for introductory music courses currently being used by colleges and universities across the United States.

We’re concluding our interview with double bassist Barry Lieberman. The former Assistant Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Principal Bass of the Winnipeg Symphony, Barry now serves as co-director of The American String Project, an innovative string ensemble which features arrangements of string quartets for small string ensemble with double bass. On today’s episode, Barry (pictured here with his John Lott double bass) discusses the arranging process that he goes through for the American String Project, his recording of the Vivaldi Cello Sonatas, and his beautiful Maggini bass. About Barry: Barry Lieberman is now in his sixteenth year as double bass faculty at the University of Washington. He began his career at age 21 as principal bass of the Winnipeg Symphony. In 1976 Zubin Mehta appointed him associate principal bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a post he held for sixteen years. Lieberman has been a regular performer with Chamber Music Northwest, Music From Angel Fire, the International Festival in Seattle, Bravo Colorado, Bargemusic, the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, and Mostly Mozart, and served as Principal Bass of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Most recently Lieberman performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, both in New York City and on tour in Europe. He has also performed with and toured the Far East, Europe, and the U.S. with the Mostly Mozart chamber orchestra.  Lieberman has performed with many of the world’s greatest conductors, including Pierre Boulez and Sir Simon Rattle (in both orchestral and chamber music settings), Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Daniel Barenboim, Georg Solti, Eugene Ormandy, Claudio Abbado, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Kurt Sanderling, among many others. He has performed chamber music with artists including Emmanuel Ax, James Galway, Lynn Harrell, Pinchas Zuckerman, Glenn Dicterow, and David Shifrin. A former member of the New European Strings for several years, he has toured both the US and Europe with the ensemble’s leader, Dimirtri Sitkovetsky. Lieberman has also served as Principal Bass of the Seattle Symphony on many occasions. In l994, Lieberman created the series “Barry Lieberman and Friends” at the University of Washington. The series combines the talents of School of Music faculty, members of the Seattle Symphony (including his wife, Maria Larionoff, Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony), guest artists, and most importantly, students from both the UW and from preparatory schools and high schools. The series has met with great success and critical acclaim, and has incorporated Lieberman`s project of arranging standard chamber music literature to include the double bass. Featured artists on this series include Gary Karr, Thomas Martin (Principal Bass, London Symphony), Hal Robinson (Principal Bass, Philadelphia Orchestra,), Joel Quarrington (Principal Bass, Toronto Symphony,) and many other prominent double bassists from around the world. The series continues and has become one of the most popular concert series in Seattle.

We’re concluding our interview with double bassist Barry Lieberman. The former Assistant Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Principal Bass of the Winnipeg Symphony, Barry now serves as co-director of The American String Project, an innovative string ensemble which features arrangements of string quartets for small string ensemble with double bass. On today’s episode, Barry (pictured here with his John Lott double bass) discusses the arranging process that he goes through for the American String Project, his recording of the Vivaldi Cello Sonatas, and his beautiful Maggini bass. About Barry: Barry Lieberman is now in his sixteenth year as double bass faculty at the University of Washington. He began his career at age 21 as principal bass of the Winnipeg Symphony. In 1976 Zubin Mehta appointed him associate principal bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a post he held for sixteen years. Lieberman has been a regular performer with Chamber Music Northwest, Music From Angel Fire, the International Festival in Seattle, Bravo Colorado, Bargemusic, the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, and Mostly Mozart, and served as Principal Bass of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Most recently Lieberman performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, both in New York City and on tour in Europe. He has also performed with and toured the Far East, Europe, and the U.S. with the Mostly Mozart chamber orchestra.   Lieberman has performed with many of the world’s greatest conductors, including Pierre Boulez and Sir Simon Rattle (in both orchestral and chamber music settings), Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Daniel Barenboim, Georg Solti, Eugene Ormandy, Claudio Abbado, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Kurt Sanderling, among many others. He has performed chamber music with artists including Emmanuel Ax, James Galway, Lynn Harrell, Pinchas Zuckerman, Glenn Dicterow, and David Shifrin. A former member of the New European Strings for several years, he has toured both the US and Europe with the ensemble’s leader, Dimirtri Sitkovetsky. Lieberman has also served as Principal Bass of the Seattle Symphony on many occasions. In l994, Lieberman created the series “Barry Lieberman and Friends” at the University of Washington. The series combines the talents of School of Music faculty, members of the Seattle Symphony (including his wife, Maria Larionoff, Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony), guest artists, and most importantly, students from both the UW and from preparatory schools and high schools. The series has met with great success and critical acclaim, and has incorporated Lieberman`s project of arranging standard chamber music literature to include the double bass. Featured artists on this series include Gary Karr, Thomas Martin (Principal Bass, London Symphony), Hal Robinson (Principal Bass, Philadelphia Orchestra,), Joel Quarrington (Principal Bass, Toronto Symphony,) and many other prominent double bassists from around the world. The series continues and has become one of the most popular concert series in Seattle.

We’re concluding our chat with Michigan State University and Interlochen Arts Academy double bass instructor Jack Budrow this week on Contrabass Conversations. In addition to helping place students in major orchestras across the globe, Jack has had a very distinguished performance career as a former member of the Houston Symphony, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and as Principal Bass of the North Carolina Symphony. About Jack Budrow: Jack Budrow is professor of music and co-chair of the string area at the Michigan State University College of Music. He has enjoyed a long and varied career in double bass performance and teaching. Budrow has been a member of the Houston Symphony, and principal bass of the North Carolina Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and the American National Opera orchestras. A well-known teacher, Budrow’s students play in many of America’s symphony orchestras, including Cincinnati, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Charleston, San Antonio, the Michigan Opera, and the Army Band. Internationally, he has placed students in the Oslo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Munich Radio Orchestra, and the Caracas Symphony.Each summer, Budrow teaches at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Indiana University. He serves on the board of directors of the International Society of Double Bassists, and was a judge for their most recent International Solo Bass Competition. Budrow has presented master classes throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Institute, Florida State University, University of Houston, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and University of Texas. In addition, he served as the bass section coach at the National Orchestral Institute and New World Symphony. Budrow received his B.M. from Bowling Green State University.

We’re concluding our chat with double bassist Anthony Stoops today on Contrabass Conversations, which we began on episode 67 of the podcast. Anthony is the Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music. He also won first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition and is the past recipient of a Karr Foundation double bass. Learn more about Anthony by visiting his website atanthonystoops.com.We’re also featuring Anthony performing his rock medley with the Bad Boyz of Bass, plus some listener feedback, bass news, and shout-outs to some of our Facebook group members. Enjoy!  About Anthony: Anthony Stoops is Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music. Since winning first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition, he has performed throughout the United States and internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Dr. Stoops has presented masterclasses in Poland, Brazil and throughout the U.S. at venues such as the Cleveland Institute of Music, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, Interlochen Arts Academy, Penn State University, and many others. The past recipient of a Karr Foundation Doublebass, Stoops is widely regarded as one of the top bass soloists in the world today. As an orchestral musician, Stoops has performed regularly in over a dozen orchestras including the Detroit, Columbus (OH) and Toledo Symphony orchestras, and the Michigan Opera Theater among many others, under many of the world’s great conductors such as Sir Georg Solti, Neeme Järvi, Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez and Charles Dutoit.He studied with Diana Gannett at Iowa (and later at Michigan), Stuart Sankey at Michigan, Jeff Bradetich at Northwestern, and Eugene Levinson at Aspen. Other influential teachers include Max Dimoff, Principal Bass of the Cleveland Orchestra, Stephen Molina, Assistant Principal Bass of the Detroit Symphony. In high school, he studie with Dr. Mark Morton, Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony.As a devotee of new music, Stoops’ wide-ranging repertoire has included premieres of several works, including his own. Prior to his appointment at OU, he taught at Bowling Green State University, the Ann Arbor School for Performing Arts and the renowned Preucil School of Music.He lives in Norman, OK with his wife, cellist Emily Gosma Stoops and their son, Henry. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys fishing, cooking, swimming and Yoga.

We’re concluding our interview with the multi-talented bassist Dave Anderson on this week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations. In addition to serving as Principal Bass of the Louisiana Philharmonic, Dave is a prolific composer, active teacher, and electric bassist. He serves as Principal Bass of the Britt Festival Orchestra in southern Oregon, and he plays in metropolitan New Orleans and beyond in a variety of bands. We began this interview on episode 75 of the podcast, and we also featured Dave’s music on Eclectic Bass episode 2. Dave’s compositions span the gamut from solo double bass to full symphony orchestra, and his Concerto for Double Bass was commissioned and premiered by Hal Robinson and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is a former board member of the International Society of Bassists, and his Capriccio No. 2 served as the required solo competition piece at the 1997 ISB convention. Check out Dave online atwww.myspace.com/symphonyboy. Scores to Dave’s compositions have been recently re-released, and you can now purchase copies online. Visit the following link to check out many of these compositions: http://www.reallygoodmusic.com/rgm.jsp?page=composers2&compid=128028 Also, my co-host John Grillo has a recording of the complete Double Bass Duets by Dave with Pittsburgh Symphony bassist Peter Guild. You can check them out here (there are links to each individual duet through the following link): http://contrabassconversations.com/2007/02/12/john-grillo-recital-showcase/ Topics discussed: meeting and taking lessons with Jaco Pastorius Hurricane Katrina New Orleans after the disaster impact of Katrina on the Louisiana Philharmonic reassembling Dave’s music after the hurricane Dave’s compositions and performance activities About Dave: Dave Anderson is a professional double bassist, joined the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans in September of 1996 after winning their Principal Bass audition. Prior to that appointment, he performed and recorded regularly with the Louisville Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, among others. Since 1994, he has served as Principal Bassist in the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon. He has performed extensively with many diverse ensembles including, the Aspen Festival, Chautauqua (NY) Festival, Colorado Philharmonic (NRO), Colorado Music Festival, the LaSalle Quartet, and as a soloist with Richard Stoltzman, Gene Bertoncini, Nigel Kennedy, Bobby McFerrin, Doc Severinsen and many others. He has served as Bass Instructor for the Music School at Loyola University and also on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists (ISB) as bassist/composer. Mr. Anderson began his pursuits in composition in 1984, recognizing that the solo repertoire for his instrument was limited. The influence of Frank Proto, one of his finest teachers, also led him to turn to involved composition. Since then, his published work has expanded to other solo instruments, as well as for chamber orchestras and small ensembles. He has published bass duets and quartets, including a bass quartet that was performed to acclaim at the Chamber Music Festival at Indiana University in 1993. Anderson won first prize in the 1995 Allen Ostrander International Trombone Composition Competition, sponsored by Ithaca college, for Elegy for Van, a work for solo bass trombone and brass choir, which he composed as a tribute to the late Lewis Van Haney, former trombonist with the New York Philharmonic. Several years ago, Anderson completed a concerto for Bass Trombone, commissioned by his father, Edwin Anderson, former bass trombonist with the Cleveland Orchestra. His Concerto for Double Bass, Strings & Harp, commissioned by Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bassist Hal Robinson was premiered at the ISB Convention in June of 1997 and performed on the 1997-98 subscription series of the Philadelphia Orchestra season, Wolfgang Sawallisch conducting. His current work includes a second symphony, as well as several commissions. Also a prolific electric bassist, Anderson loves playing with pedal steel guitarist, David Easley. The group known as the Anderson/Easley Project perform original music of many genres including free jazz, funk, bop, minimalist and many wonderfully unique approaches to dynamics and expression. Anderson also plays with Algorhythm Method, and SOFA KING BIG SOUL, bands that fuse many different styles including hard rock, funk, blues, jazz, and New Orleans R & B. Anderson has jammed with The Radiators, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Roy Pope, Darryl Brown, and many other great New Orleans musicians including a killer performance with guitarist Brian Stoltz of the Funky Meters as a main highlight of the French Quarter Festival 2002. In 1984-85, Anderson played for and took lessons with the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius in New York, who firmly encouraged the idea of being able to cross over between classical and jazz. Here is some of what the Press has said in Anderson’s past: Review of Anderson’s Quintet for Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, Viola & Bass, Louisville Courier Journal music critic Andrew Adler wrote: “Anderson’s new work is splendidly fresh and provocative, ingenious in how it distributes material … the jazzy syncopations and ethnic flavorings reflect a diverse, expertly distilled inspiration. Thoroughly absorbed by yesterday’s performance, the piece offered sustained pleasure.” Reviews of Anderson’s Bass Concerto: Houston Chronicle music critic Charles Ward : “ … thoroughly appealing … his rich scoring of the orchestra and expansive solo melodies came from a composer exuberantly in love with music.” Lesley Valdes, Philadelphia Inquirer: “ … a melodious work, whose moods cohere… the thoughtful, the nostalgic, the provocative. Ideas are fertile and cohesive.” Thomas May, Washington Post: “Anderson shows a gift for fashioning readily accessible music from unusual combinations of timbres.” Featured Music: Blew Cheeze with Dave Anderson and Dave Easley  

We’re continuing our chat (check out part one on episode 73) with Michigan State University and Interlochen Arts Academy double bass instructor Jack Budrow this week on Contrabass Conversations. In addition to helping place students in major orchestras across the globe, Jack has had a very distinguished performance career as a former member of the Houston Symphony, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and as Principal Bass of the North Carolina Symphony.  Jack discussed several topics of great interest to double bass students and performers with co-host John Grillo and me, including: musical leadership and qualities of good principal bassists qualities found in good conductors how music students are seeing fewer and fewer concerts emotion in music – country music’s got it limitations of rock music in conveying emotion body maintenance and how to stay healthy as a bassist We also feature music from double bass performer and composer Peter Askim. Learn more about Peter at his websitewww.peteraskim.com. Enjoy! About Jack Budrow:Jack Budrow is professor of music and co-chair of the string area at the Michigan State University College of Music.He has enjoyed a long and varied career in double bass performance and teaching. Budrow has been a member of the Houston Symphony, and principal bass of the North Carolina Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and the American National Opera orchestras. A well-known teacher, Budrow’s students play in many of America’s symphony orchestras, including Cincinnati, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Charleston, San Antonio, the Michigan Opera, and the Army Band. Internationally, he has placed students in the Oslo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Munich Radio Orchestra, and the Caracas Symphony.Each summer, Budrow teaches at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Indiana University. He serves on the board of directors of the International Society of Double Bassists, and was a judge for their most recent International Solo Bass Competition. Budrow has presented master classes throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Institute, Florida State University, University of Houston, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and University of Texas. In addition, he served as the bass section coach at the National Orchestral Institute and New World Symphony. Budrow received his B.M. from Bowling Green State University. About Peter Askim: Active as a composer, conductor and double bassist, Peter Askim is the Music Director and Composer-in-Residence of the Idyllwild Arts Academy. He has been a member of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and served on the faculty of the University of Hawaii-Manoa, where he directed the Contemporary Music Ensemble and taught bass, theory and composition. He has had commissions and performances from such groups as the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the Honolulu Symphony, Orchestra Asia-Japan, the International Society of Bassists, the Yale Symphony Orchestra, the Idyllwild Arts Orchestra, the Portland Chamber Music Festival, and Serenata Santa Fe, as well as by performers such as flutist/ conductor Ransom Wilson, Metropolitan Opera soprano Lauren Flanigan and Grammy-nominated soprano Judith Kellock. His compositions are published by Liben Music Publishers, Discordia Music and the International Society of Bassists, and his music is recorded on the Gasparo and Albany labels. Musical Selection: Edge for Solo Double Bass – written and performed by Peter Askim

We’re featuring the multi-talented bassist Dave Anderson on this week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations. In addition to serving as Principal Bass of the Louisiana Philharmonic, Dave is a prolific composer, active teacher, and electric bassist. He serves as Principal Bass of the Britt Festival Orchestra in southern Oregon, and he plays in metropolitan New Orleans and beyond in a variety of bands. Dave’s compositions span the gamut from solo double bass to full symphony orchestra, and his Concerto for Double Bass was commissioned and premiered by Hal Robinson and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is a former board member of the International Society of Bassists, and his Capriccio No. 2 served as the required solo competition piece at the 1997 ISB convention. Check out Dave online atwww.myspace.com/symphonyboy. Scores to Dave’s compositions have been recently re-released, and you can now purchase copies online. Visit the following link to check out many of these compositions: http://www.reallygoodmusic.com/rgm.jsp?page=composers2&compid=128028 Also, my co-host John Grillo has a recording of the complete Double Bass Duets by Dave with Pittsburgh Symphony bassist Peter Guild. You can check them out here (there are links to each individual duet through the following link): http://contrabassconversations.com/2007/02/12/john-grillo-recital-showcase/ Topics discussed: Dave’s early years studying with Frank Proto, Barry Green, Stuart Sankey, and Warren Benfield his compositional style and how he got into composing talking about composing with Maxim Shostakovich meeting and taking lessons with Jaco Pastorius About Dave: Dave Anderson is a professional double bassist, joined the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans in September of 1996 after winning their Principal Bass audition. Prior to that appointment, he performed and recorded regularly with the Louisville Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, among others. Since 1994, he has served as Principal Bassist in the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon. He has performed extensively with many diverse ensembles including, the Aspen Festival, Chautauqua (NY) Festival, Colorado Philharmonic (NRO), Colorado Music Festival, the LaSalle Quartet, and as a soloist with Richard Stoltzman, Gene Bertoncini, Nigel Kennedy, Bobby McFerrin, Doc Severinsen and many others. He has served as Bass Instructor for the Music School at Loyola University and also on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists (ISB) as bassist/composer. Mr. Anderson began his pursuits in composition in 1984, recognizing that the solo repertoire for his instrument was limited. The influence of Frank Proto, one of his finest teachers, also led him to turn to involved composition. Since then, his published work has expanded to other solo instruments, as well as for chamber orchestras and small ensembles. He has published bass duets and quartets, including a bass quartet that was performed to acclaim at the Chamber Music Festival at Indiana University in 1993. Anderson won first prize in the 1995 Allen Ostrander International Trombone Composition Competition, sponsored by Ithaca college, for Elegy for Van, a work for solo bass trombone and brass choir, which he composed as a tribute to the late Lewis Van Haney, former trombonist with the New York Philharmonic. Several years ago, Anderson completed a concerto for Bass Trombone, commissioned by his father, Edwin Anderson, former bass trombonist with the Cleveland Orchestra. His Concerto for Double Bass, Strings & Harp, commissioned by Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bassist Hal Robinson was premiered at the ISB Convention in June of 1997 and performed on the 1997-98 subscription series of the Philadelphia Orchestra season, Wolfgang Sawallisch conducting. His current work includes a second symphony, as well as several commissions. Also a prolific electric bassist, Anderson loves playing with pedal steel guitarist, David Easley. The group known as the Anderson/Easley Project perform original music of many genres including free jazz, funk, bop, minimalist and many wonderfully unique approaches to dynamics and expression. Anderson also plays with Algorhythm Method, and SOFA KING BIG SOUL, bands that fuse many different styles including hard rock, funk, blues, jazz, and New Orleans R & B. Anderson has jammed with The Radiators, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Roy Pope, Darryl Brown, and many other great New Orleans musicians including a killer performance with guitarist Brian Stoltz of the Funky Meters as a main highlight of the French Quarter Festival 2002. In 1984-85, Anderson played for and took lessons with the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius in New York, who firmly encouraged the idea of being able to cross over between classical and jazz. Here is some of what the Press has said in Anderson’s past: Review of Anderson’s Quintet for Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, Viola & Bass, Louisville Courier Journal music critic Andrew Adler wrote: “Anderson’s new work is splendidly fresh and provocative, ingenious in how it distributes material … the jazzy syncopations and ethnic flavorings reflect a diverse, expertly distilled inspiration. Thoroughly absorbed by yesterday’s performance, the piece offered sustained pleasure.” Reviews of Anderson’s Bass Concerto: Houston Chronicle music critic Charles Ward : “ … thoroughly appealing … his rich scoring of the orchestra and expansive solo melodies came from a composer exuberantly in love with music.” Lesley Valdes, Philadelphia Inquirer: “ … a melodious work, whose moods cohere… the thoughtful, the nostalgic, the provocative. Ideas are fertile and cohesive.” Thomas May, Washington Post: “Anderson shows a gift for fashioning readily accessible music from unusual combinations of timbres.” Featured Music: “Teen Town” by Jaco Pastorius Surf Ride from Yule Loggs for 4 basses Schweik Fahrt with Hal Robinson and Dave Anderson

I’m pleased to be able to share this interview with Robert Meyer, one of our most experienced and interesting members of the double bass community. Robert has had a long and illustrious career on the double bass, working for over 50 years in most of the major orchestras in London (including the London Symphony, London Philharmonic, and BBC Symphony), as Principal Bass of the Vancouver Symphony, and has taught at the Universities of British Columbia and Victoria. Robert writes a blog called Musical Reminiscences, and it is a must-read for any bassist… or any musician, for that matter! About Robert Meyer Robert Meyer’s accomplishments as a double bass player and concert artist could fill several pages, as Benjamin Britten was quoted as saying: “He has proved himself to be a considerable musician and a fine player.” His career, however, extends beyond his notable achievements as a performer and includes distinctions as both an artist (he is a Chinese Watercolourist of repute) and an educator (He currently assists the Victoria Youth Orchestra, freelances in the Pacific Northwest and frequently gives solo lectures “All you ever wanted to know about the Double Bass but were afraid to ask”). However, here is a brief synopsis of his career: Graduated as a double bass soloist from the Royal College of Music, London, England. Respectively a member of the London Philharmonic, London Symphony, Philharmonia and BBC Symphony Orchestras. (Conductors include Furtwangler, de Sabata, von Karajan, Klemperer, Giulini, Bruno Walter, Koussevitsky, Stokowski, Rhozdesdensvky, Stravinsky, Khatchaturian, etc.) Principal Bass, Sadlers Wells Opera, Principal Bass, San Carlo Opera, Naples, Covent Garden Ballet Orchestra, Principal/co Principal Bass English Chamber Orchestra, Moscow Chamber Orchestra (Barshoi), Principal Bass, Bolshoi Ballet. Commanded by HRH Queen Elizabeth II to perform at her Coronation. Founding Member, Solo Bass and librarian to Benjamin Britten’s English Opera Group and Aldeburgh Festival. Invited to come to Canada as Principal Bass, Vancouver Symphony, Principal Bass CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra and Principal Bass Vancouver Opera. Robert Meyer has taught at the Universities of British Columbia and Victoria and played at most major festivals and concert halls in the world. Learn more at Robert’s blog Musical Reminiscences.  

We’re chatting with Michigan State University and Interlochen Arts Academy double bass instructor Jack Budrow this week on Contrabass Conversations. In addition to helping place students in major orchestras across the globe, Jack has had a very distinguished performance career as a former member of the Houston Symphony, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and as Principal Bass of the North Carolina Symphony. Jack discussed several topics of great interest to double bass students and performers with co-hostJohn Grillo and me, including repertoire he uses in his teaching, essential skills for auditioning, and how the educational orientation has changed for music performance students over the past few decades. We chatted at great length with Jack for this interview, and we’ll be wrapping up the remainder of this interview in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more great content with this influential and engaging music educator and performer in the coming weeks. Enjoy!   About Jack Budrow: Jack Budrow is professor of music and co-chair of the string area at the Michigan State University College of Music. He has enjoyed a long and varied career in double bass performance and teaching. Budrow has been a member of the Houston Symphony, and principal bass of the North Carolina Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and the American National Opera orchestras. A well-known teacher, Budrow’s students play in many of America’s symphony orchestras, including Cincinnati, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Charleston, San Antonio, the Michigan Opera, and the Army Band. Internationally, he has placed students in the Oslo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Munich Radio Orchestra, and the Caracas Symphony. Each summer, Budrow teaches at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Indiana University. He serves on the board of directors of the International Society of Double Bassists, and was a judge for their most recent International Solo Bass Competition. Budrow has presented master classes throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Institute, Florida State University, University of Houston, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and University of Texas. In addition, he served as the bass section coach at the National Orchestral Institute and New World Symphony. Budrow received his B.M. from Bowling Green State University.

We’re chatting with double bassist Anthony Stoops today on Contrabass Conversations. Anthony is the Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music. He also won first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition and is the past recipient of a Karr Foundation double bass. Learn more about Anthony by visiting his website at anthonystoops.com. We’re also featuring Anthony performing the Pieces en Concert by Couperin, plus some listener feedback, bass news, and shout-outs to some of our Facebook group members. Enjoy! About Anthony: Anthony Stoops is Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music. Since winning first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition, he has performed throughout the United States and internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Dr. Stoops has presented masterclasses in Poland, Brazil and throughout the U.S. at venues such as the Cleveland Institute of Music, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, Interlochen Arts Academy, Penn State University, and many others. The past recipient of a Karr Foundation Doublebass, Stoops is widely regarded as one of the top bass soloists in the world today. As an orchestral musician, Stoops has performed regularly in over a dozen orchestras including the Detroit, Columbus (OH) and Toledo Symphony orchestras, and the Michigan Opera Theater among many others, under many of the world’s great conductors such as Sir Georg Solti, Neeme Järvi, Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez and Charles Dutoit. He studied with Diana Gannett at Iowa (and later at Michigan), Stuart Sankey at Michigan, Jeff Bradetich at Northwestern, and Eugene Levinson at Aspen. Other influential teachers include Max Dimoff, Principal Bass of the Cleveland Orchestra, Stephen Molina, Assistant Principal Bass of the Detroit Symphony. In high school, he studie with Dr. Mark Morton, Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony. As a devotee of new music, Stoops’ wide–ranging repertoire has included premieres of several works, including his own. Prior to his appointment at OU, he taught at Bowling Green State University, the Ann Arbor School for Performing Arts and the renowned Preucil School of Music. He lives in Norman, OK with his wife, cellist Emily Gosma Stoops and their son, Henry. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys fishing, cooking, swimming and Yoga.

We’re continuing our chat with Cincinnati Symphony principal bassist Owen Lee today on Contrabass Conversations. Check out the first segment of this conversation on episode 55 of the program. Owen played for the New World Symphony and the Houston Symphony prior to his appointment with the Cincinnati Symphony, and it was a real pleasure to do this interview along with Contrabass Conversations regular collaborator John Grillo. John, Owen, and I chat about Owen’s experiences recording his solo CD, key selection for the Bach Suites and his use of solo tuning for the recording, his performances of the less popular but extremely engaging Bottesini Concerto No. 1, performing the Tubin Concerto with orchestra, the Harbison Bass Concerto project (which Owen performed with the Cincinnati Symphony), and his practicing habits and exercises. We also feature the first movement from the Cello Suite No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach from Owen’s Boston Records CD, plus listener feedback, bass news, and a link of the week. Find Owen Lee on Twitter here. Enjoy!   About Owen: Described as “a true virtuoso” by legendary pianist Gary Graffman and praised by The New York Times for his “deft and virtuosic solo performance” at his New York debut at Alice Tully Hall, double bassist Owen Lee has earned acclaim as a soloist, chamber musician and since 1996, at the age of 26, as Principal Bass of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lee is heard regularly as a soloist with orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paavo Järvi and Jesús López-Cobos, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under John Harbison, and the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson-Thomas in Miami and on tour to New York’s Lincoln Center. During the 2006-07 season, Mr. Lee and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, along with a consortium of other soloists and orchestras, will present the world premiere of John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra. Mr. Lee’s prizes in competitions include First Prize at the 1995 International Society of Bassists Competition and Fourth Prize at the 1992 Irving M. Klein International String Competition in San Francisco. He has been presented in recitals throughout the United States, and in Geneva. For the Boston Records label, he has recorded the Misek Sonata No. 2 and Bach Unaccompanied Suites No. 3 and No. 5. American Record Guide praised this disc for its “tasteful phrasing, polish and verve” while The Strad wrote “Owen Lee is a fine player with strong musical ideas. A dark and austere sound is produced for Suite No. 5 and the architecture of each suite is carefully considered and shaped. I look forward to his next recording.” Mr. Lee’s extensive international chamber music experience includes three summers as the bassist of the Marlboro Festival. While there, he performed extensively with such artists as Richard Stoltzman, Midori, Nobuko Imai, Bruno Canino, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and members of the Beaux Arts Trio, Guarneri Quartet and Juilliard Quartet. He also collaborated with composers Gyorgy Kurtag, Leon Kirchner and Richard Danielpour preparing performances of those composers’ works. Mr. Lee has also performed with the Tokyo String Quartet on tour to Mexico, John Browning, Anne-Marie McDermott, Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian, Steven Tenenbom, Peter Wiley, Eugenia Zukerman, the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, San Diego’s Mainly Mozart Festival, Ojai California Festival, Chamber Music L.A. Festival, Tanglewood Festival, Texas Music Festival, and on tour throughout China. With the Rossetti String Quartet he performed the world premiere of Melinda Wagner’s Concertino at the 2005 Bravo! Vail Festival. Mr. Lee was born in Berkeley, California in 1969 to Chinese parents. He began playing bass at age 15 after previous study of the piano. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Mr. Lee’s principal teachers were Dennis Trembly, Edwin Barker and Paul Ellison. Prior to his appointment in Cincinnati, Mr. Lee was a member of the Houston Symphony under Christoph Eschenbach. In addition to his position with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Lee serves as Principal Bass of the Shanghai Festival Orchestra. Owen is married to CiCi Lee. He enjoys bicycling, snowboarding, cigars, auto repair and playing drums and writing songs with his rock band Toe (Eric Bates, CSO 2nd Assistant Concertmaster is Toe’s guitarist and lead singer, and Ted Nelson, CSO cellist is Toe’s bassist).  

We’re wrapping up the interview with Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Bassist Jeff Turner that we began on episode 26 of the podcast, plus featuring music from U.K.-based bassist Leon Bosch’s new album titled The British Double Bass on this week’s episode of the podcast. About Jeff Turner: Principal Bass Jeffrey Turner joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1987. He served as Principal Bass of the New American Chamber Orchestra from 1984 to 1986 and became a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1986. Mr. Turner, a native of South Carolina, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester. His teachers include James VanDemark, Lawrence Hurst and Robert Gladstone. Mr. Turner serves on the faculties of Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University. He is the Artistic Director of the City Music Center’s Young Bassist Program, and gives annual seminars and master classes at universities and conservatories throughout the world. He has also served as Visiting Professor at the Eastman School of Music and Lecturer at the University of Maryland. Mr. Turner has been a resident artist for many annual festivals including the Pacific Music Festival in Japan and the Korsholm Festival in Finland. He has been featured as a presenter at the conventions of The International Society of Bassists, and has served on the faculty of The Asian Youth Orchestra (Hong Kong) under the direction of Lord Yehudi Menuhin. Mr. Turner is a faculty member of the National Orchestral Institute. As winner of the Y Music Society’s Passamaneck Award, Jeffrey Turner appeared in a critically acclaimed recital at Carnegie Music Hall in 1989. He was also a winner of the 1990 Pittsburgh Concert Society’s Artist Award. About Leon Bosch: Leon had to overcome many difficult circumstances in the early years of his career. He was arrested by members of the Cape Town special branch when he was just 15 years old for demonstrating against the Apartheid government outside of parliament. He faced a month’s detention and torture, only to be found not guilty on all charges. This experience fired up his ambition to become a lawyer, but this field of study was forbidden to him by the regime at the time. He then chose to study a subject that would be the least likely to mark him out as subversive – music. Had Bosch been able to pursue his prime aspiration to become a lawyer, the cello/double bass debate might never have occurred. Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1961, Bosch was forbidden by the repressive regime of the time to study law, so applied to the University’s music faculty instead `as a light-hearted prank.’ The `prank’ soon turned more serious. Once enrolled at the University, Bosch studied with Zoltan Kovats, principal double bassist of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra at that time. A single year into his studies, the young student was invited to play in the Symphony Orchestra’s bass section alongside his mentor. Only another 12 months passed before he was giving his first solo performance of Dittersdorf ’s concerto in E major. Completing his Batchelor of Music Performance degree at the University, he received the highest mark ever awarded there in a performance examination. Post-university, Bosch quickly realised that he would have to study abroad if he really wanted to further his performance career, but was thwarted once again by the apartheid laws which decreed that overseas scholarships could only be given to white performers. However, Bosch was undeterred. `I had a passionate commitment to the double bass and never enter- tained the idea that I would fail in my pursuit’, he asserts. Fortunately, a number of private individuals came forward to sponsor his travel to England where he was heard playing by Rodney Slatford, the former Head of School of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), who offered to teach him. Bosch enrolled at the RNCM following a successful interview with Eleanor Warren to study with Slatford and Duncan McTier. He describes his time at RNCM as `extremely fruitful’. Bosch’s prestigious record of achievements also continued there, as he received the College’s PPRNCM (Professional Performer of the RNCM) with distinction, the first such award to a double bassist in the College’s history. Studies completed, Bosch embarked on the varied professional orchestral and chamber career that continues to this day. His first assignment was with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, moving onto The Manchester Camerata as principal in 1985. His playing career has also taken in the BBC Philharmonic, Hall, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Opera North and Scottish Chamber orchestras, plus the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Brodsky Quartet and Goldberg Ensemble as a freelance performer, a career path that he chose to `give me greater variety in my playing.’ A decade after his first principal appointment, Bosch began his current association with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, touring with the orchestra’s founder, Sir Neville Marriner. `Chamber music represents the most enjoyable part of my musical life,’ he enthuses, explaining why he has focused on this area through most of his professional career – which has taken in almost all of the major chamber orchestras in the UK.

We’re speaking with Cincinnati Symphony principal bassist Owen Lee today on Contrabass Conversations. Owen played for the New World Symphony and the Houston Symphony prior to his appointment with the Cincinnati Symphony, and it was a real pleasure to do this interview along with Contrabass Conversations regular collaborator John Grillo. Find Owen Lee on Twitter here. Enjoy!  About Owen: Described as “a true virtuoso” by legendary pianist Gary Graffman and praised by The New York Times for his “deft and virtuosic solo performance” at his New York debut at Alice Tully Hall, double bassist Owen Lee has earned acclaim as a soloist, chamber musician and since 1996, at the age of 26, as Principal Bass of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lee is heard regularly as a soloist with orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paavo Järvi and Jesús López-Cobos, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under John Harbison, and the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson-Thomas in Miami and on tour to New York’s Lincoln Center. During the 2006-07 season, Mr. Lee and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, along with a consortium of other soloists and orchestras, will present the world premiere of John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra. Mr. Lee’s prizes in competitions include First Prize at the 1995 International Society of Bassists Competition and Fourth Prize at the 1992 Irving M. Klein International String Competition in San Francisco. He has been presented in recitals throughout the United States, and in Geneva. For the Boston Records label, he has recorded the Misek Sonata No. 2 and Bach Unaccompanied Suites No. 3 and No. 5. American Record Guide praised this disc for its “tasteful phrasing, polish and verve” while The Strad wrote “Owen Lee is a fine player with strong musical ideas. A dark and austere sound is produced for Suite No. 5 and the architecture of each suite is carefully considered and shaped. I look forward to his next recording.” Mr. Lee’s extensive international chamber music experience includes three summers as the bassist of the Marlboro Festival. While there, he performed extensively with such artists as Richard Stoltzman, Midori, Nobuko Imai, Bruno Canino, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and members of the Beaux Arts Trio, Guarneri Quartet and Juilliard Quartet. He also collaborated with composers Gyorgy Kurtag, Leon Kirchner and Richard Danielpour preparing performances of those composers’ works. Mr. Lee has also performed with the Tokyo String Quartet on tour to Mexico, John Browning, Anne-Marie McDermott, Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian, Steven Tenenbom, Peter Wiley, Eugenia Zukerman, the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, San Diego’s Mainly Mozart Festival, Ojai California Festival, Chamber Music L.A. Festival, Tanglewood Festival, Texas Music Festival, and on tour throughout China. With the Rossetti String Quartet he performed the world premiere of Melinda Wagner’s Concertino at the 2005 Bravo! Vail Festival. Mr. Lee was born in Berkeley, California in 1969 to Chinese parents. He began playing bass at age 15 after previous study of the piano. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Mr. Lee’s principal teachers were Dennis Trembly, Edwin Barker and Paul Ellison. Prior to his appointment in Cincinnati, Mr. Lee was a member of the Houston Symphony under Christoph Eschenbach. In addition to his position with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Lee serves as Principal Bass of the Shanghai Festival Orchestra. Owen is married to CiCi Lee. He enjoys bicycling, snowboarding, cigars, auto repair and playing drums and writing songs with his rock band Toe (Eric Bates, CSO 2nd Assistant Concertmaster is Toe’s guitarist and lead singer, and Ted Nelson, CSO cellist is Toe’s bassist).  

Greg Sarchet considers himself fortunate to have had an array of musical experiences and training, from studying with his first teacher, jazz luminary Rufus Reid, to receiving degrees from the Juilliard School (where he was a student of Michael Morgan), to hundreds of television/radio commercial recordings. His strong interest in researching the double bass and ongoing international exchange efforts were recognized by a 1996 Chicago Artists International Program award which sent him to the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria for performances, masterclasses, and archival research. These and other exchange activities have allowed him to build an extensive library of unpublished, out-of-print, and contemporary double bass works, as well as a first-hand understanding of Europe's leading teaching methods. Since 1986, he has been a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. Additionally, he frequently serves as Principal Bass with Chicago Opera Theater and the Chicago Chamber Orchestra. He maintains a limited private studio for high school and adult pupils. Briefly, his musical foundation was laid by his first double bass teachers, Rufus Reid and Todd Coolman. The musical values and priorities they, among others, instilled in him have led him to a wide variety of professional opportunities ranging from recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, Smashing Pumpkins, and hundreds of television and radio commercials.

Colin Corner was appointed Principal Bass of Atlanta Symphony in 2015, after playing in the same position with the Rochester Philharmonic for seven seasons. He previously played with the Minnesota Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony and the Louisiana Philharmonic. He received first place in the 2003 ISB Orchestral Competition, which led to a one week internship with the Detroit Symphony, and he received third place in the same competition in 2001. Mr. Corner was also a recipient of the Interlochen Double Bass Class Studio award in 1997, which has since been renamed The Colin Corner Bass Award in his honor. Mr. Corner is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, and he received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University, where he studied with Lawrence Hurst. While in Rochester, he served on the faculty at The Hochstein School and played with Chamber Music Rochester, The Rochester Chamber Orchestra, and The Finger Lakes Opera Festival. He has also served as Guest Principal Bass with the NAC Orchestra. Mr. Corner also enjoys playing electric bass and many different styles of music, mainly jazz. In Rochester, he played with The Shuffling Madness, a Jethro Tull tribute band, The Debbie Kendrick Quartet, a soulful acoustic blues group, The Greener Grass Band, a funky jam band, and various other groups. Mr. Corner is passionate about teaching and has presented masterclasses/recitals at ISB Conventions, Ithaca College, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Shenandoah Conservatory, and Palm Beach Atlantic University. In 2015, he joined the faculty at the Golden Gate Bass Camp in San Francisco, where he was a founding faculty member in the NorCal Orchestra Studies Academy. Proud of his instruments, he plays a bass made by Joseph Hill, c. 1780, and a bass made in Atlanta by Luthier Albert Jakstadt.

This week's episode features the conclusion of our interview with double bassist Kate Nettleman.  Kate was based here in the Chicago area at the time of this recording, but she moved on to become Principal Bass of the Hong Kong Philharmonic and then to a section position in the Minnesota Orchestra. About Kate Kathryn Nettleman - as a young student of Neil Courtney, Assistant Principal Bass with the Philadelphia Orchestra, she performed with numerous local ensembles including the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. During this time she twice received the New Jersey Governor's Award in Arts Education. She attended The Juilliard School as a full-scholarship student of Homer Mensch and following graduation spent a year studying with Don Palma at the Yale University School of Music. For several summers she performed in the Aspen Music Festival and the Spoleto (USA) Music Festival. Ms. Nettleman then spent two seasons in the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, during which time she was involved in a wide variety of solo and chamber music performances, musical outreach projects, and served as co-chair of a concert series. In 2001, she was awarded by her colleagues there the "NWS Musician of the Year Award for Artistic Leadership." The following year she served as a section member in the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, where she was active as a performer in introductory musical programs for elementary and middle school children. Currently living in Chicago, Ms. Nettleman performs regularly with many local ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Symphony II, and Grant Park Symphony. She serves as a volunteer friendly visitor to the elderly through Resurrection Health Care Home Health Services. In addition to making music, she enjoys running, gardening, reading, and vegetarian cooking and baking.

It is my pleasure to bring you this great interview with Pittsburgh Symphony principal bassist Jeff Turner for this week's episode of Contrabass Conversations. Jeff has excellent advice for musicians, and he reflects on his early years on the instrument in this very engaging interview. You will also be hearing a double bass feature from the Lascivious Biddies on this episode. Enjoy! About Jeff Jeffrey Turner is the Director of Orchestral Studies at Duquesne University, where he serves as conductor of the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra. A native of South Carolina, Mr. Turner holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master's degree in conducting from Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied with Dr. Robert Page. He has served in recent years as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Live Chamber Orchestra, and Artistic Director of the City Music Center Chamber Orchestra from 2004 - 2009.  Locally, Mr. Turner has also conducted opera productions at CMU, as well as Honors Orchestra Festivals for the Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association.  Mr. Turner is also the Principal Bassist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His teachers include James VanDemark, Lawrence Hurst and Robert Gladstone. Before joining the PSO in 1987, Mr. Turner was the Principal Bass of the New American Chamber Orchestra from 1984 to 1986, and played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the 1986-87 season. As winner of the Y Music Society's Passamaneck Award, Jeffrey Turner appeared in a critically acclaimed recital at Carnegie Music Hall in 1989.  He was also a winner of the 1990 Pittsburgh Concert Society's Artist Award. Jeffrey Turner has served as Visiting Professor at the Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, and the University of Maryland, and as a faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University. At Duquesne, Mr. Turner has also served as Chair of Strings and as Artistic Director of City Music Center's Young Bassist Program. Mr. Turner gives annual recitals, seminars, and master classes at universities and conservatories throughout the world, and serves as resident artist for annual festivals including the Pacific Music Festival, The National Orchestral Institute, the Korsholm Festival (Finland), Indiana University's Summer Music Festival, and The Asian Youth Orchestra (Hong Kong).  Mr. Turner has been a faculty member for International Workshops in Graz, Austria; Lausanne, Switzerland; and Glasgow, Scotland. He is featured as recitalist, clinician, and competition judge at the conventions of The International Society of Bassists. From 1988-92 Mr. Turner was the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Project, a yearly series of concerts and educational programs featuring Pittsburgh's finest musicians in collaboration.

Greg Sarchet considers himself fortunate to have had an array of musical experiences and training, from studying with his first teacher, jazz luminary Rufus Reid, to receiving degrees from the Juilliard School (where he was a student of Michael Morgan), to hundreds of television/radio commercial recordings. His strong interest in researching the double bass and ongoing international exchange efforts were recognized by a 1996 Chicago Artists International Program award which sent him to the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria for performances, masterclasses, and archival research. These and other exchange activities have allowed him to build an extensive library of unpublished, out-of-print, and contemporary double bass works, as well as a first-hand understanding of Europe's leading teaching methods. Since 1986, he has been a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. Additionally, he frequently serves as Principal Bass with Chicago Opera Theater and the Chicago Chamber Orchestra. He maintains a limited private studio for high school and adult pupils. Briefly, his musical foundation was laid by his first double bass teachers, Rufus Reid and Todd Coolman. The musical values and priorities they, among others, instilled in him have led him to a wide variety of professional opportunities ranging from recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, Smashing Pumpkins, and hundreds of television and radio commercials.

Andrew Anderson performs in nearly 150 concerts every year and teaches over a dozen students of all levels each week. Andrew Anderson is a member of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic, and performs regularly with Music of the Baroque.  He has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Columbus Symphony, American Ballet Theater, and New World Symphony.  He has held positions in twelve different orchestras across seven states, serving as principal bass in four of them.  Andrew has performed recitals at Wheaton College, radio broadcasts on WDCB Jazz, and at the Chicago Cultural Center with the Chicago Bass Ensemble and also with bass voice, Andrea Silvestrelli.  Andrew served both as Principal Bass and as a Soloist with the National Repertoire Orchestra in 2003.  Andrew has presented at the Chicago Bass Festival every year since its inception. Andrew enjoys teaching positions at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and The Wheaton Conservatory in addition to his private studios in Northwest Indiana and at the String Academy of Chicago in downtown Wheaton, Illinois.  Information on Andrew's studios can be found on his website www.andersonbassworks.com. Andrew has a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music Degree from Indiana University, and served as a doctoral teaching fellow at the University of North Texas.  Andrew's teachers include Stuart Sankey, Lawrence Hurst, Jeff Bradetich, Larry Zgonc, Bill Clay,Steve Molina, and his father Dave Anderson.  Andrew studied string pedagogy with Robert Culver at the University of Michigan, and low string pedagogy at Indiana University with Helga Winolt.  Andrew often appears as a sectional coach at DePaul University, the Elgin Youth Symphony, the Chicago Youth Symphony and Midwest Young Artists, and for nearly a decade has been a coach for the Elgin Youth Symphony’s Chamber Music Institute.  Andrew has supported public school music programs with benefit recitals in and around his hometown of Portland, Oregon.  From 2011 to 2014 Andrew started a before school string ensemble at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois where he volunteered as the director. Andrew moved to Lowell, Indiana in 2014 where he now lives with his wife Rose, and their three sons.

This week's episode features double bassist Kate Nettleman.  Kate was based here in the Chicago area at the time of this recording, but she moved on to become Principal Bass of the Hong Kong Philharmonic and then to a section position in the Minnesota Orchestra. About Kate Kathryn Nettleman - as a young student of Neil Courtney, Assistant Principal Bass with the Philadelphia Orchestra, she performed with numerous local ensembles including the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. During this time she twice received the New Jersey Governor's Award in Arts Education. She attended The Juilliard School as a full-scholarship student of Homer Mensch and following graduation spent a year studying with Don Palma at the Yale University School of Music. For several summers she performed in the Aspen Music Festival and the Spoleto (USA) Music Festival. Ms. Nettleman then spent two seasons in the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, during which time she was involved in a wide variety of solo and chamber music performances, musical outreach projects, and served as co-chair of a concert series. In 2001, she was awarded by her colleagues there the "NWS Musician of the Year Award for Artistic Leadership." The following year she served as a section member in the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, where she was active as a performer in introductory musical programs for elementary and middle school children. Currently living in Chicago, Ms. Nettleman performs regularly with many local ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Symphony II, and Grant Park Symphony. She serves as a volunteer friendly visitor to the elderly through Resurrection Health Care Home Health Services. In addition to making music, she enjoys running, gardening, reading, and vegetarian cooking and baking. You will be hearing some duets on this episode that Kate and Jason recorded at the 2007 Whitewater Winter Bassfest.

Andrew Anderson performs in nearly 150 concerts every year and teaches over a dozen students of all levels each week. Andrew Anderson is a member of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic, and performs regularly with Music of the Baroque.  He has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Columbus Symphony, American Ballet Theater, and New World Symphony.  He has held positions in twelve different orchestras across seven states, serving as principal bass in four of them.  Andrew has performed recitals at Wheaton College, radio broadcasts on WDCB Jazz, and at the Chicago Cultural Center with the Chicago Bass Ensemble and also with bass voice, Andrea Silvestrelli.  Andrew served both as Principal Bass and as a Soloist with the National Repertoire Orchestra in 2003.  Andrew has presented at the Chicago Bass Festival every year since its inception. Andrew enjoys teaching positions at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and The Wheaton Conservatory in addition to his private studios in Northwest Indiana and at the String Academy of Chicago in downtown Wheaton, Illinois.  Information on Andrew's studios can be found on his website www.andersonbassworks.com. Andrew has a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music Degree from Indiana University, and served as a doctoral teaching fellow at the University of North Texas.  Andrew's teachers include Stuart Sankey, Lawrence Hurst, Jeff Bradetich, Larry Zgonc, Bill Clay,Steve Molina, and his father Dave Anderson.  Andrew studied string pedagogy with Robert Culver at the University of Michigan, and low string pedagogy at Indiana University with Helga Winolt.  Andrew often appears as a sectional coach at DePaul University, the Elgin Youth Symphony, the Chicago Youth Symphony and Midwest Young Artists, and for nearly a decade has been a coach for the Elgin Youth Symphony’s Chamber Music Institute.  Andrew has supported public school music programs with benefit recitals in and around his hometown of Portland, Oregon.  From 2011 to 2014 Andrew started a before school string ensemble at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois where he volunteered as the director. Andrew moved to Lowell, Indiana in 2014 where he now lives with his wife Rose, and their three sons.  

A Fifth of Quarrington -- In this week's NACOcast, Christopher speaks with the National Arts Centre Orchestra's remarkable Principal Bass, Joel Quarrington. Canada's foremost virtuoso of the double bass, Joel is the only great modern bassist who tunes his bass like a cello. Find out how this came about as Joel discusses the history, evolution and current state of double bass playing.