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Register now to attend the 2009 ISB convention,
June 8 through 13, 2009 at Penn State University in State College, PA! Go to
New titles being added every week!Order print music, DVDs and videos, CDs, t-shirts, posters, back issues of Bass World magazine and more, including the Gary Karr Shop at www.ISBstore.com. New title, "Bass, Bass, Bass, Bass, Bass & Bass" by L'Orchestre de Contrabasses. Also "Atmic Vision," a fusion of Western music with Indian classical traditions from Paul Erhard, and more!
Penny Schimek, wife of ISB board member John Schimek and host of the ISB's 2007 convention at Oklahoma City University where he is professor of bass, is recovering beautifully from recent surgery from a benign brain tumor. She continues to astound the doctors and improve far ahead of schedule, and hopes to be back teaching and playing the trumpet soon. You can send your best wishes to Penny, John and their son Joel at jschimek@cox.net.
Karol Kowal premiered a new concerto for double bass by his wife, composer Katarzyna Brochocka, with the Oklahoma City University orchestra, conducted by Mark Parker, dean of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, at the recent Region VI conference of the Society of Composers.
The annual Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players identifies, rewards, and promotes talented young musicians, awarding over $1,000,000 in prizes and scholarships. Among this year's honorees are second prize winner and ISB member Benjamin Harris of Mexico, currently studying at Juilliard with Eugene Levinson, competing against players of all string instruments. The jury also elected to give two additional achievement awards in each division. ISB member Kiyoe Wellington, winner of the 2007 ISB Age 14 and Under competition, received a junior division achievement award in addition to her full scholarship to Tanglewood this summer. Congratulations, Benjamin and Kiyoe!
Robert Black will go on a solo recital/masterclass tour in Russia from March 12-21, 2009. Performances are scheduled for Moscow (March 13th), Nizhniy Novgorod (March 15th), Kaliningrad (March 17th) and St. Petersburg (March 19th and 20th). Following his tour, he will connect with the Bang On A Can All Stars for a concert in Wroclaw, Poland on March 22nd. This will be Robert's first time touring with his newly-commissioned B-21 Bass made by the French luthier Patrick Charton. ISB member Nate West of Columbus, Ohio is one of 60 national finalists nominated to be a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Approximately 20 of these students will go on to be honored at the White House, as well as show their artwork at the Smithsonian Institution and perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in June, 2009. The program celebrates and rewards exceptional student artists from across the U.S. in each of nine artistic fields: cinematic arts, dance, jazz, classical music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. Congratulations, Nate!
As part of The Workshop Series at David Gage String Instruments, bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding will appear on March 11th to play and discuss her compositions and the music that she has had the greatest influence on her. This is a one-night-only event and will not be recorded. Ben Allison, cited as "a visionary composer, adventurous improviser and organizational force on the New York Jazz Scene" by JazzTimes magazine, will present a one-night-only workshop on April 15th, 2009. David Gage String Instruments is located at 36 Walker Street, New York, NY. Tickets are now on sale and are priced at $20 general admission/$15 for students and seniors. Go to www.davidgage.com, call 212-274-1322 or email info@davidgage.com. Three Lyric Pieces for double bass and string orchestra by Paul Ramsier had its New York premiere on January 21, 2009 with the Bachanalia Orchestra at Lincoln Center's Merkin Hall. ISB member Jerome Butler performed the bass solo as well as his own transcription of the Bottesini Grand Duo, which he performed with violinist Nina Beilina.
Catalin Rotaru, professor of bass at Arizona State University, was recently in his native Romania as recitalist, clinician and soloist with the Radio Chamber Orchestra in Bucharest. He has an upcoming March appearance on the "Theatre of St. Benedict International Concerts Series" in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where he will also appear as soloist with the University of Sao Paulo Chamber Orchestra. In June 2009, Catalin will perform the Haydn Cello Concerto at the Bicentennial Haydn Festival, in Vienna, Austria. The Vecchione Erdahl Duo was interviewed in February by Steve Staruch on Minnesota Public Radio about their duo career, debut CD, "It Takes Two . . ." on Centaur Records (available through links on their website, www.oboebass.com), and a concert series they curate at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Rolf Erdahl and his wife, oboist Carrie Vecchione performed several works by bassist composers: Tim Goplerud's "Jangles Dances for Pennies" from Vignettes from the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and the finale from Adrian Mann's Canzone Vecchione for oboe and bass, and Tim Goplerud's newest piece, Schubert's 'Trout' Served Four Ways, or, Fishy Variations on a Familiar Theme for English horn and bass. The 17 minute interview is archived and available on MPR's classical station at http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/cms/. Edgar Meyer will appear in concert on March 14th at 8 PM and March 15th at 2 PM with the Reno Chamber Orchestra in the Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. He'll be performing his own Concerto No. 1 and Bottesini's Double Bass Concerto No. 2. For tickets or more information, call 775/348-9413 or go to http://www.renochamberorchestra.org. Age 18 and under can attend for free, and discounted tickets are available for seniors and students
Orlando "Cachaito" López, best known as the bassist on the best-selling CD, The Buena Vista Social Club, died on February 9, 2009 at age 76 from complications of prostate surgery. Born in Havana in 1933, he came from family of bass players, including his uncle, Israel Cachao López. He originally played the violin but switched to the bass at his grandfather's urging. He was a pioneer of Cuban mambo at an early age, and a member of Cuba's national symphony. Deep Tones for Peace Now! is a daily streaming of live meditations for peace in the Middle East over the Internet using ustream.tv. The idea is to play your bass for 5 to 30 minutes with the intent of sending musical vibrations for peace to be viewed throughout the world. This is open to all bassists who wish to participate in an ongoing musical transmission for peace. Any style or form of music and any level bass player can participate. The main requirement is the intent and desire to create peace in the world. This is part of a larger project, Deep Tones for Peace. For more information on how to participate in Deep Tones for Peace Now, go to http://deeptonesforpeace.org/live/. On April 26th, Deep Tones for Peace, twenty internationally recognized bassists, will perform for live audiences from two cities in an appeal for peace in the Middle East. The three-part concert will be streamed worldwide on the Internet: at 8 PM Jerusalem/1 PM New York; at 11PM Jerusalem/4PM New York; and 8PM New York/3AM Jerusalem. Performers, composers and improvisers include Barre Phillips (USA/France), Mark Dresser (USA), J.C. Jones (Israel), Bertram Turetzky (USA), Thierry Barbe (France), Irina-Kalina Goudeva (Bulgaria/Denmark), William Parker (USA), Michael Klinghoffer (Israel), Ora Boazsson (Israel), Ken Filiano (USA), Mark Helias (USA), Han Han Cho (Taiwan), David Phillips (USA), Henry Grimes (USA), Rob Nairn (Australia), Sarah Weaver (USA) and Chi Chi Nwanoku (UK). To learn more about Deep Tones for Peace or to make a donation, go to www.isimprov.org.
The Texas Christian University School of Music announces the appointment of Yuan Xiong Lu as assistant professor of double bass. Having played professionally and taught for more than 20 years, Lu currently performs full time with the San Antonio Symphony and also teaches at the University of Incarnate Word. A native of China, he was educated at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the University of Texas at Austin. He has served as a full time faculty member at Baylor University and Bowling Green State University. Most recently he was appointed guest professor of double bass at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He has given lectures, presented masterclasses and performed as a soloist throughout America and abroad, and has won numerous competitions, including the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition and the International Society of Bassists Competition. He was the first bassist to win the Corpus Christi International Young Artist Competition.
FESTIVALS, COMPETITIONS, AUDITIONS
The application deadline for the Orchestra and Age 14 and Under divisions of the 2009 ISB Double Bass Competition is April 3, 2009. The Philadelphia Orchestra will host the orchestra division first prize winner for a week's paid residency with the orchestra during the 2009-2010 season. To read and download guidelines and applications, go to http://www.isbworldoffice.com/competitions/performance.html. Questions? Email info@ISBworldoffice.com.
The Fourth Biennial International Society of Bassists Makers' Competition for double basses will be held June 8-13, 2009 at Penn State University, State College, PA. Download a copy of the competition guidelines and application at http://www.isbworldoffice.com/competitions/luthier.html or contact the International Society of Bassists, info@ISBworldoffice.com. Application deadline is May 1, 2009.
A double bass competition will be part of String Fest at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, March 18-22, 2009. Supported by the Scottish Bass Trust, String Fest will feature masterclasses, workshops, concerts and recitals with guest bassists Barry Guy, Kristin Korb, Tom Martin, Tim Cobb, Jeff Bradetich and others. Contact Jennifer Sharp, Scottish Bass Trust, 6 West Garleton, Haddington EH41 3SL, UK, +44 (0)1620 822532, email sbt@satv.co.uk, www.scottishbasses.com. The 16th Oklahoma City University Summer Bass Camp will be held July 12-16, 2009 in the Wanda L. Bass Music Center at Oklahoma City University, site of the 2007 ISB Convention. The week-long camp for ages high school and up of all abilities features training in all aspects of bassdom. The camp concludes with a Bass Blast! concert featuring music for bass choir. For
more information contact camp director and professor of double bass at OCU, John Schimek, at jschimek@okcu.edu.
Kent/Blossom Music is now accepting applications/auditions for its Summer 2009 summer session. Deadlines are early February, 2009. Advanced young artists study with principal members of The Cleveland Orchestra, the Miami String Quartet and major guest artists. Six weeks of intensive chamber music study and performance at the professional level, as well as orchestral repertoire exploration and a side-by-side performance with The Cleveland Orchestra. Masterclasses and private lessons. Scholarship covering tuition and housing awarded to each student. All students receive Kent State University credit. For more information go to http://dept.kent.edu/blossom.
Bass Bash #30 takes place March 15, 2009 at San Francisco Davies Symphony Hall, Zellerback CA, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, with special guest Kristin Korb. Bassists from area middle schools, high schools and universities will participate in small ensembles in the morning, with an advanced masterclass in the afternoon. Contact Barry Green, barry@innergameofmusic.com.
Miles Brown, Interim Director of Jazz at Cornell University, will host a Jazz Bass Festival at Cornell on April 17, 2009. The one-day event will feature Chuck Israels, Todd Coolman, Jeff Campbell, Nicholas Walker and Miles Brown in a series of clincs, and an evening concert. For more information email bassmiles@hotmail.com. The International Festival-Institute at Round Top, Texas, a professional summer institute for orchestra, chamber music and solo performance study, will be May 31 - July 12, 2009. The bass faculty includes James VanDemark and Brett Shurtliffe. For information go to http://festivalhill.org, call 979/249-3086 or email program director Alain Declert, alaind@festivalhill.org.
Jam, scat, move, and groove to the 2009 Golden Gate Bass Camp for bass players only at the Valley Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Names University, in Oakland CA, July 5th - July 12th, with David Murray, Robert Hurst, Michael Manring, Mark Dresser, Kristin Korb, Barry Green, David Young, John Kennedy, Ashley Adams Richard Duke, Ed Williams, Pat Klobas, Alan Scofield and others TBA (faculty artists subject to change). Faculty for the Ray Brown Memorial Jazz Course, July 9 - July 12, with featured clinician Robert Hurst on July 9th only, include Michael Manring, Mark Dresser and Pat Klobas, assisted by Kristin Korb, Richard Duke and Ed Williams. The Michael Manring Electric Bass Course, July 9th - 10th, also includes a guest session with Robert Hurst. For more information contact Barry Green, Barry@innergameofmusic.com, or go to www.innergameofmusic.com/basscamp/.
The 2009 University of North Texas (Denton, TX) Double Bass Camps feature four opportunities for summer study: 1) 5th Annual Elite Soloists Program, June 1-5, will accept five students by audition to study with Jeff Bradetich. Daily lessons and solo classes. Applicants should have a number of solo works ready for study and performance. Send a CD or tape of two different solo works to Jeff Bradetich, 1155 Union Circle #311367, Denton, TX 76203 by April, 21, 2009. 2) 22nd Annual Bradetich Double Bass Master Classes, June 15-19, are for advanced high school and college aged bass students. Five days of intense musical training including technique, orchestral and solo playing, and bass ensembles. 3) 9th Annual Beginners and Intermediate Bass Camp, June 17-19, 2009, is for beginners or intermediate players of all ages. 4 ) 8th Annual Lynn Seaton Jazz Bass Workshop, June 15-19, 2009, is for dedicated jazz bass players working on upright technique, developing walking bass lines, small group performance, theory and history. Open to advanced high school, college, serious amateur, and professional bassists. For more information on the University of North Texas Double Bass Camps, go to http://www.music.unt.edu/strings/untbasscamp.shtml.
Canada's National Arts Centre is now accepting applications for the 2009 NAC Young Artists Programme in Ottawa, June 9 - July 1, 2009 (Junior Strings June 14 - July 1). The Programme identifies and fosters young, exceptional musical talent through intensive instruction led by Artistic Director Pinchas Zukerman and an internationally-renowned faculty including Joel Quarrington, NAC Orchestra Principal Bass. Outstanding private instruction and chamber music coaching. All students will perform in public chamber music concerts and may perform in public masterclasses, as well as closed works-in-progress and recitals. Announcing Suzuki Bass Teacher Training Courses for 2009: Virginia Dixon's Book 1 Course will be taught at the Colorado Suzuki Institute at Beaver Creek, Colorado, June 14-21. Reasonable resort condo accommodations, scholarships available. For information go to www.coloradosuzuki.org or call (303) 399-5764. Book 2 will be taught in the Chicago area this summer depending on response. Email Virginia Dixon at virginia@elmhurst.edu. The Book 3 course will be held at the American Suzuki Institute at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, August 3-7. The full gamut of Suzuki education, from the earliest fun and games through an advanced chamber music program. Go to www.uwsp.edu/cofac/suzuki or call (715) 346-3033.
ON SALE NOW
New! Order print music, CDs, DVDs and videos, t-shirts, posters, back issues of magazines and more at www.ISBstore.com.
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