Exciting double bass sessions and activities are being planned by the bass coordinators for 13th biennial the SAA 2008 conference. The master clinician for the “Expanding the Vision” conference is Dianna Gannett, the Distinguished Professor of Double Bass at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Professor Gannett is internationally recognized as one of the foremost teachers and performers of the double bass. She served as the master clinician for the SAA conference in 2002 in which all those students, parents, and teachers in attendance were delighted by her engaging manner, as well as her brilliant and insightful pedagogical assessments with each masterclass performer. Dr. Gannett will also present a session on double bass playing and perform as a soloist on the master clinician’s recital.
A new unique performance opportunity for student bassist will be offered in 2008 conference with the formation of the SAA Bass Choir ensemble led by Professor Paul Sharpe, Professor of Double Bass from the North Carolina School of the Arts. Bass choir participants will have the opportunity of to rehearse and give a performance of bass ensemble music with Professor Sharp and several other members of the Suzuki Bass Committee.
In keeping with the SAA conference theme there will be a double bass panel discussion session with members of the Suzuki bass committee, and Dr. Gannett in which all current areas of bass playing and instruction will be addressed in which the audience will have the opportunity to present questions to the panel. Additionally we expect to present a number of sessions focusing on Pre-Twinkle bass student teaching, the adult learner, shifting techniques, the utilization of bass history and iconography in one’s instruction and several other areas of pedagogical issues concerning the continued development of the Suzuki Bass School. Please see the audition enrollment requirements in the masterclass session and double bass choir. The double bass committee is looking forward to your participation in the expanded bass activities for the 2008 conference.
—Michael Fanelli, Bass Coordinator
