Contrabass Conversations

Former International Society of Bassists President and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bass Professor Hans Sturm and I got together recently and filmed a chat about the Rabbath left hand position technique. This final segment of our chat covers more general mental approaches to practicing the double bass.

This week's Contrabass Conversations Episode features the second part of our interview with double bassist, music educator, and author Peter Tambroni. Last time we heard from Peter (on episode 32), we talked about his early years on the bass, classroom and school orchestra teaching techniques, studying bass during his bachelors and masters degrees, teaching approaches, performance experiences, and much more.

We also feature a performance of the "Carmen Fantasy" by Frank Proto from Taiwanese bassist Henry Chen, plus share many news stories and interesting developments in the world of the double bass.

Visit Peter online at www.petertambroni.com

Enjoy!

Former International Society of Bassists President and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bass Professor Hans Sturm discusses the Rabbath Technique.

Welcome to the video version of Story Time with the Contrabass Conversations podcast!  This new venture was inspired by the great podcast Digital Flotsam (along with a healthy dose of This American Life), and it features me narrating my story about fitting basses in cabs, along with topical songs, sound effects, and more.

This week's podcast concludes our interview with National Symphony Orchestra bassist Ira Gold. We began this interview on episode 15 of the podcast and continued it on episode 18, as well as featuring Ira performing the Vanhal Concerto with orchestra. Ira discusses his double bass set-up and mental toughness aspects of the audition, practicing, and preparation process for the double bass during this segment of the interview and features a recording of Ira performing the Gigue from the first Bach cello suite. You can direct any questions to Ira directly at [email protected]. Enjoy!

Former International Society of Bassists President and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bass Professor Hans Sturm discusses the Rabbath Technique.

This week's Contrabass Conversations episode features the conclusion of our chat with Minnesota Orchestra bassist Colin Corner. Colin joined the orchestra in 2006 after being a member of the Vancouver Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic. In this episode we discuss the process of taking an audition for an ensemble like the Minnesota Orchestra--the various rounds, screen (or lack thereof), and repertoire. We also discuss improvisation, parallels between classical music and jazz, Colin's sources of musical inspiration, and his instrumental activities outside of the orchestral sphere.

Check out episode 34 of the podcast for the first part of this interview.

We also feature a recording of "Trioticism" from Chicago Symphony bassist and Contrabass Conversations interview guest Rob Kassinger. Enjoy!

Lyric Opera of Chicago and Grant Park Symphony bassist Andrew Anderson teaches concepts, ideas, and techniques for this double bass in this multi-part series. Andy teaches at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.

Lyric Opera of Chicago and Grant Park Symphony bassist Andrew Anderson teaches concepts, ideas, and techniques for this double bass in this multi-part series. Andy teaches at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.

This week's Contrabass Conversations Episode features the second part of our interview with Chicago Symphony bassist Rob Kassinger. Last time we heard from Rob (on episode 25), we talked about his early years on the bass, growing up in Colorado, playing jazz and electric bass, studying the instrument, and studying with Homer Mensch in New York City.

This episode, we talk about Rob's time in the New Orleans Symphony, Colorado Symphony, and then moving into the Chicago Symphony.

Rob talks about the materials he works on with students, like etudes and Simandl, plus what gear Rob uses and how his band NYCO developed.

We'll also be hearing three tracks from Bay Area bassist Djordje Stijepovic. Enjoy!