Aaron Hill

Current position(s): Assistant Professor of Oboe at University of Nevada, Reno; Principal oboe with Wintergreen Festival Orchestra

Previous position(s): University of Wisconsin-Madison; University of Virginia; James Madison University; Principal Oboe of Charlottesville Symphony; English horn with Roanoke Symphony; Wingra Wind Quintet

​Education: Bachelor of Music from University of Michigan; Master of Music and Artist Diploma from Yale University; Doctor of Musical Arts from James Madison University

Recordings: Principal oboe for William Bolcom's Songs of Innocence and Experience (Grammy winner for Best Classical Album); extensive teaching and performing video series for YouTube, including the complete FW Ferling 48 Famous Studies

Solo appearances: Concerti by JS Bach (F Major, Oboe and Violin in D Minor); Aaron Copland (Quiet City); Daron Hagen, WA Mozart (C Major and Sinfonia Concertante); Vivaldi (C Major); frequent IDRS Conference recitals; faculty concert series performances at UW-Madison and around North America

Notable performances/accomplishments: Yale School of Music Thomas Nyfenger Prize for Woodwind Performance; Leche Trust Prize from the Barbirolli International Oboe Competition; Mu Phi Epsilon Society for Musical Arts Grand Prize Winner

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses for universities and youth orchestras around the country; UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic; featured speaker/performer for TEDxSkidRow and Tom Tom Founders Festival

Instrument: Fox Sayen Model 880 Grenadilla

For more information on Aaron Hill, visit his University of Nevada, Reno faculty webpage here.

Albie Micklich

Current position(s): Professor of Bassoon at Arizona State University and Chair of IDRS Gillet-Fox Bassoon Competition

Previous position(s): Faculty member at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, University of Missouri-Columbia, Michigan State University, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Co-Principal Bassoon for ProMusica Chamber Orchestra; Principal Bassoon for Lincoln Symphony; member of Moran Quintet and Missouri Quintet

Education: Michigan State University (DMA), The Juilliard School (MM), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (BS)

Recordings: Cantando, Albie Micklich (Soundset); Supernova, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra (Summit); Resounding, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra (Summit); Triumvirate, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra (Summit); Bassoon Surrounded: 20th Century Music for Bassoon and Percussion (MSR Classics); Wind Chamber Music of Theodor Blumer, Vol. 2 and Vol.3 with Moran Quintet (Crystal Records); David Maslanka's Woodwind Quintet #3 and Music for Dr. Who for bassoon and piano with Missouri Quintet (Albany Records)

Publications: Claude Debussy Suite for bassoon and piano (TrevCo Music Publishing); Johann Sebastian Bach Sonata in C Major, BWV 1031 for bassoon and piano (TrevCo Music Publishing); Robert Schumann Six Studies in Canonic Form, Op. 56 for oboe, bassoon and piano (TrevCo Music Publishing); Francisco Tárrega Lágrima, Maria, and Recuerdos del Alhambra for two bassoons (TrevCo Music Publishing); Igor Stravinsky Suite for Woodwind Sextet (Potenza Music); Antonio Vivaldi Sposa son disprezzata (Potenza Music); Max Bruch Three Pieces for clarinet, bassoon, and piano (Potenza Music)

Commentary by Critics: "Micklich's playing is strikingly moving and compelling, sowing sensitivity, a gorgeous tone quality in all register, and an uncanny ability to grab his listeners... [He] shows a rare combination of technical perfection and musical sensitivity." - The Double Reed Journal review of the CD Cantando

Notable performances/accomplishments: Concerto performances and solo recitals at IDRS conferences; co-host of IDRS 2011 at Arizona State University; concerto performance with Lincoln Symphony; performance of Christopher Theofanidis's Bassoon Concerto with the ASU Symphony Orchestra; won The Juilliard School, Michigan State University, and Johnstown Symphony (PA) concerto competitions; students have won the prestigious Fulbright Award and the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) Award

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses throughout the USA, Europe, Japan, and Brazil

Instrument: Fox Model 680

For more information on Albie Micklich, visit his ASU faculty page here.

Ann Shoemaker

Current position(s): Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Baylor University; Principal Bassoon for Shreveport (LA) and Waco (TX) Symphony Orchestras

Previous position(s): Positions with Greensboro, Salisbury, and Hendersonville Symphony Orchestras; founding member of Relevents Wind Quintet (toured throughout U.S. and Germany); faculty member at Furman University, Davidson College, and North Carolina School of the Arts

Education: Bachelor of Music from Furman University; Master of Music from Yale School of Music; Doctor of Musical Arts from University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Notable performances/accomplishments: featured with InterHarmony Music Festival Orchestra, Carolina Youth Symphony, Colorado College Summer Music Festival Orchestra, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro Orchestra; performed with Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players; Nyfenger Award for Outstanding Woodwind Performance while at Yale.

Instrument: Fox Model 660

For more information on Ann Shoemaker, visit http://www.annshoemaker.com/

The Breaking Winds

Background: By performing a uniquely twisted theatrical blend of classical and popular music on their unlikely instruments, the Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet aims to demonstrate that music is a universal language—and laughter is too.

Members: Brittany Harrington-Smith, Yuki Katayama, Kara LaMoure, and Lauren Yu Ziemba

Recordings:  Breaking In (https://www.thebreakingwinds.com/shop/)

Solo appearances: Commissioned concerto world premiere with Yale Concert Band, West Point Band, Eastman Wind Ensemble, SMU Meadows Wind Ensemble, and Northshore Concert Band

Notable performances/accomplishments: Performing at the 100th anniversary Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition; 2015 tour of China, Hong Kong, and Japan; IDRS conferences in Tokyo, New York, Columbus, Granada, Tampa; social media buzz from MTV, NPR, and Hollywood blogger Perez Hilton

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses across the United States and on tour, recently Southern Methodist University, Michigan State University, Penn State, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Sichuan Conservatory; guest artists at University of Arizona Double Reed Day and with the University of Missouri Bassoon Ensemble; plus frequent visits with K-12 music students

Memorable gigs: Performing music of movies and video games at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle; performing on a reality show pilot at a Brooklyn “nerd bar”; performing a Bubonic Bassoon Quartet retrospective at IDRS Tampa

Their mission: to navigate the intersection of classical music, pop culture, and comedy, to expand the scope of bassoon performance, and to create meaningful bonds with audiences

Instrument: Fox Model 680

For more information on the Breaking Winds (including bios on the members), check out http://www.thebreakingwinds.com/

Elizabeth Koch Tiscione

Current position(s): Principal Oboe for Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 2007-08 season; Principal Oboe at Grand Teton Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, & Festival Mozaic; member of Atlanta Chamber Players; faculty member at Kennesaw State University

Education: Studied with Richard Woodhams at the Curtis Institute of Music

Notable performances/accomplishments: Tiscione has been a guest musician with orchestras of San Francisco, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Detroit, St. Paul, Baltimore, Rochester, Buffalo, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestras. Her solo engagements have included World Youth Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, & Dekalb Symphony Orchestra. She has been featured on NPR’s “From the Top.”

Teaching Opportunities: In addition to being a faculty member at Kennesaw State, Tiscione has a small private studio in Atlanta.

Instrument: Fox Sayen Model 880 Maple

For more information on Elizabeth Koch Tiscione, visit her page on the Atlanta Symphony website here.​

Hans Agreda

Current position(s): Principal Contrabassoon for Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra; Contrabassoon Teacher at ZHdk (Zurich University of the Arts)

Previous position(s): Principal Bassoon for Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela

Education: Universidad de los Andes in Mérida; Robert Schumann Musikhochschule in Düsseldorf

Notable performances/accomplishments: Won the Schmolz-Bickenbach competition in 2004; Has collaborated with several professional orchestras in Europe, including Berliner Philharmoniker , Bayrisches  Staatsoper München , WDR (Rundfunk Orchester Köln) , SWR (Rundfunk Orchester Stuttgart) , Luzern Festival Orchester , & Orquesta Mozart

Instruments: Fox Model 920 and Fox Model 660

Check out one of Hans's performances during his tour in Asia!

Jonathan Sherwin

Current position(s): Bassoon and Contrabassoon for The Cleveland Orchestra since 1997; Faculty member at Cleveland Institute of Music, Baldwin-Wallace University Conservatory of Music, and the Kent/Blossom Music School

Previous position(s): Colorado (formerly Denver) Symphony (1986-1997), New Orleans Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago's Music of the Baroque, and Chicago City Ballet Orchestra

​Education: Bachelor's Degree and The Performer's Certificate from Eastman School of Music and Master's Degree from Northwestern University

Notable performances/accomplishments: Performed with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra; participated in Aspen Music Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy and Eastern Music Festival

Teaching Opportunities: Previous faculty engagements have included The Oberlin Conservatory, The Aspen Music School, and The University of Northern Colorado. Mr. Sherwin has given Master classes at several music festivals and universities including The Eastman School of Music, Duquesne University, and The Aspen Music School.

Instrument: Fox Model 900

For more information on Jonathan Sherwin, visit his page on The Cleveland Orchestra's website here.

Keith Sweger

Current position(s): Professor of Bassoon at Ball State University School of Music; bassoonist with Musical Arts Quintet (faculty ensemble at Ball State); Principal Bassoon for Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Ballet Orchestra; contrabassoonist for Fort Wayne Philharmonic; performs regularly with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; Internatonal Double Reed Society Executive Committee (President from 2014-17)

Previous position(s): Co-founder/member of Algoma Wind Quintet; member of Oakwood Chambers Players; chair of 2008 & 2010 Gillet-Fox International Bassoon Competition

Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bowling Green State University, Lebanon Valley College

Recordings: Songs of Madness and Sorrow, On the Beach at Night, Expressions in Units, Christmas Lights, and August was Foggy; American Breeze, released by Musical Arts Quintet; a variety of projects, including touring ice shows, national tours of Broadway shows, and cartoon scores

Notable performances/accomplishments: Recitals at conferences of International Clarinet Association, Society of Composers Inc., College Music Society, National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, Music Teachers National Association and Music Educators National Conference; regular performer at IDRS conferences; hosted 2006 IDRS conference at Ball State; 2008 Indiana Music Educators Association Outstanding University Music Educator

Teaching Opportunities/Accomplishments: Masterclasses at 2011 Asian Double Reed Association (ADRA) conference in Bangkok, 2012 Beijing International Bassoon Festival in Beijing, 2013 ADRA in Chiayi, and 2017 Brazilian Double Reed Society conference; guest teacher at colleges, universities, and summer festivals and camps; recipient of 2007 College of Fine Arts Dean’s Teaching, 2008 IMEA Outstanding Univeresity Music Educator, and 2013 College of Fine Arts Dean’s Creative Endeaver Award.

Instrument: Fox Model 201

For more information on Keith Sweger, visit his faculty page here.

Laura Bennett Cameron

Current position(s): Principal Bassoon, Dallas Winds; Assistant Professor of Bassoon, University of Texas-Arlington; Founder, Executive Director, and Solo Bassoon of The Boutry Ensemble

​Education: Doctor of Music, Indiana University Master of Music, New England Conservatory of Music Bachelor of Music, West Texas A&M University

Recordings: French Masterworks for Bassoon and Piano, Indesens Classique, Paris. Recorded with Roger Boutry, piano, at Studios Grade Armée, Paris, 2016; Encounters: The Oboe and Bassoon Works of Roger Boutry, Indesens Classique, Paris. Recorded with Roger Boutry, producer, Studios de Meudon, Paris, 2018 (Expected release late 2022); John Williams at the Movies, Reference Recordings, San Francisco, California. Recorded with the Dallas Winds, Jerry Junkin, artistic director, at the Meyerson Symphony Center, 2018. Nominated for two Grammy Awards; Asphalt Cocktail: The Music of John Mackey, Reference Recordings, San Francisco, California. Recorded with the Dallas Winds, Jerry Junkin, artistic director, at the Meyerson Symphony Center, 2019; Repertorial Diversity in Intermediate Bassoon Works, a project to record works by underrepresented composers Ahmed Alabca, William Grant Still, Amber Ferenz, and Victoria Bond, in process, anticipated release via YouTube mid 2022.

Solo appearances: Festival pour L'Association Joseph Cantaloube, Bagnac sur Célé, France, June 2022; Rencontres Européennes des Anches Doubles, Lyon, France, October 2021 (only invited American performer); Festival International Albert Roussel, Vieil-Hesdin, France, November 2021; Concerto: Andante e Rondo Ungarese, Weber, with the Dallas Winds and Jerry Junkin, Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, Texas, April 2021; Concerto Tour: Rossini’s Concerto for Solo Bassoon and Weber’s Andante e Rondo Ungarese with the Filarmonica San Marco in Torino and Nichelino, Italy, 2020; European Recital Tour: The Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano works of Roger Boutry; Paris, France, and Granada, Spain, 2018; Concerto: Andante e Rondo Ungarese, Weber, with the UT-Arlington Faculty and Friends Chamber Orchestra, 2018; USA East Coast Recital Tour: The Bassoon Works of Roger Boutry, 2017; Recital: The Bassoon Works of Roger Boutry, International Double Reed Society Conference, 2016; Paris Recital Tour: The Bassoon Works of Roger Boutry with Roger Boutry, piano, 2015

Notable performances/accomplishments:  

Performances: Trio Recital, Wood Music, for Fine Arts Chamber Players, with Kirstin Perry, oboe, and Gabriel Sanchez, piano, Dallas Museum of Art, November 2019; Interdisciplinary performance, Landscapes: A Celebration of Edwin Church: performance of Daniel Baldwin’s Landscapes, poetry reading, and art history lecture; Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, October 2019; World Premiere of bassoon choir work, Loftdrekar, with the UT-Arlington Bassoon Ensemble, International Double Reed Society Conference, Tampa, Florida, July 2019

Accomplishments: Interviewed for “Double Reed Dish” Podcast, aired January 2022 via SoundCloud, with Jacqueline Wilson (Washington State University), and Galit Kaunitz (University of Southern Mississippi); Published scholarship on Roger Boutry in both French and English, the largest body of biographical work on the composer in either language; Repertorial Diversity in Intermediate Bassoon Works, a project to record works by underrepresented composers, in process, anticipated release via YouTube mid 2022 - funded via competitive grant; Fantasia for Solo Bassoon by Matteo Dal Maso, a popular solo bassoon work written during the pandemic, was written for and dedicated to Bennett Cameron - she made the first recording of it in collaboration with the composer.

Teaching Opportunities: Ameropa Festival, Prague (July 2022); University of Texas-Arlington faculty since 2013; Sought-after masterclass teacher

Instrument: Fox Model 201

Fun Fact: She is a proud dog and plant mom.

For more information on Laura Bennett Cameron, visit her website here.

Matthew Rácz

Current position(s): Principal Bassoon for Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra since 2003, Principal Bassoon for Lucerne Festival Orchestra, Professor at Hochschule for Music and Theatre in Zurich, & artistic director for bassoon for The Muri Competition in Muri, Switzerland.

Previous position(s): Principal Bassoon for Gürzenich orchestra Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra at age 21

Education: Rácz studied under Prof. Dag Jensen at the Hochschule for Music and Theatre in Hanover.

Recordings: CD productions and live concert recordings with various radio companies, as well as in television and radio programs

Notable performances/accomplishments: At age fifteen, Rácz made his debut as a soloist with the Cologne Chamber Orchestra in the television production “Junge Künstler auf dem Podium” (Young Artists on Stage). He has been a guest soloist at Mozart Festival Schwetzingen, Rheingau Music Festival, Schleswig Holstein Music Festival, and Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In 2002, he won the International ARD Music Competition in Munich and the Prague Spring International Music Competition.

Teaching Opportunities: In 2003, Rácz was a lecturer for the Ongaku-juku Opera Project in Japan. He gave his first international masterclass for bassoon at age 24 and has since led many masterclasses around the world.

Instrument: Fox Model 660

Check out one of Matthias's performances during his tour in Asia!

Monica Ellis

Current position(s): Imani Winds, Bassoonist and Executive Director; Imani Winds Foundation, Treasurer; Curtis Institute of Music, Faculty; Manhattan School of Music, Faculty; Mannes College of Music, Imani Winds: Ensemble in Residence

Previous position(s): University of Chicago, Imani Winds: Ensemble in Residence (2016-2018); The Hartt School of Music, Imani Winds: Ensemble in Residence (2013-2015); Brooklyn College, Faculty (2012-2016); Purchase Conservatory, Faculty (2011-2014); Mannes College of Music Prep Division, Faculty (2003-2006); The Juilliard School Music Advancement Program, Faculty (1998-2003)

​Education: Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (BM); The Juilliard School (MM); Manhattan School of Music (PS)

Recordings: Bruits (Grammy nom.) – Imani Winds, Bright Shiny Things Records, 2021; Startin’ Sumthin’ – Imani Winds, E1 Records, 2016; The Rite of Spring – Imani Winds, EMI Classics, 2013; Without a Net - Wayne Shorter Quartet, Blue Note Records, 2013; Native Informant – Imani Winds & Mohammed Fairouz, Naxos, 2013; Madrigal: Music of Montsalvatge, Perspecitves Ensemble, Naxos, 2013; The Continents - Chick Corea, Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, 2012; Terra Incognita - Imani Winds, E1 Records, 2010; This Christmas with Imani Winds - Koch International Classics, 2008; Classified - Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Koch International Classics, 2008; Josephine Baker: A Life of “Le Jazz Hot” - Imani Winds, Koch Int. Classics, 2007; Imani Winds - Imani Winds, Koch International Classics, 2006; The Classical Underground - Imani Winds, Koch Int. Classics (Grammy nom.), 2005; Ascension To Light - Steve Coleman and the Five Elements, Sony International, 2002; Umoja - Imani Winds, Self-produced, 2001

Solo appearances: 2022 IDRS: "Mosiacos" by Tania Leon, world premiere; 2021 Chineke! Orchestra, London: "Phenomenal Women" by Valerie Coleman; 2020 American Composers Orchestra (virtual): "No Air" Karena Ingram, world premiere; 2020 Fresno Double Reed Day (in person); 2019 Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival: with Akropolis Reed Quintet, "Cane Concerto" by Jenny Brandon; 2018 Pittsburgh Symphony: Mozart Concerto; 2016 Meg Quigley: "Elegy for Innocence" by Jeff Scott; 2015: Musica Viva Huntington Festival, Mudgee, Australia: "Devienne Quartet No. 1"; 2014 IDRS: "Trio for oboe, bassoon, pno" Valerie Coleman, world premiere; 2008 IDRS: "Elegy for Innocence" by Jeff Scott, world premiere

Notable performances/accomplishments:  IDRS Board Member; Concert Artist Guild Board Member; Orchestra of St. Luke's Education Committee Member

Teaching Opportunities: The annual Imani Winds Chamber Festival, held each summer in NYC.; Curtis Institute of Music, chamber music department; Masterclasses, seminars and lectures year round at conservatories and universities across the country with Imani Winds

Instrument: Fox Model 201

Fun Fact: Monica religiously watches Jeopardy!, loves home decorating and resides in the historic village of Harlem in New York City with the greatest joy of her life - her 8 year old son, Oden.

For more information on Monica Ellis, visit her website here.

Paul Hanson

Current position(s): Bassoonist and Electric Bassoonist with Jon Baptiste's American Symphony; Acoustic Bassoonist with Vitamin Em; Electric Bassoonist with Idiot Fish with Wally Schnalle; Paul Hanson's Solo Bassoon Show; Vincent Houdijk's Polestar Project; Electric Bassoonist with Raze The Maze (Progressive Rock Band)

Previous position(s): Electric Bassoonist with Billy Cobham's Crosswinds Project; Bassoonist with Cirque Du Soleil's ZED; Cirque Du Soleil's SALTIMBANCO (multi-woodwind show); Electric Bassoonist with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones; Electric Bassoonist with the Paul Dresher Ensemble; Assistant Bassoon Professor at Ithaca College of Music-2004

​Education: Bachelors of Bassoon Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music 1997

Recordings as a Leader: 2019-New Days-Solo Bassoon(bluecoastmusic.com); 2008-Frolic In The Land of Plenty (www.abstractlogix.com); 2001-Voodoo Suite (bluecoastmusic.com)

Recordings with Other Artists: OoN (with Ariane Cap)-Polaris (2014). BILLY COBHAM: TimeLapse Photos-2019. DAVKA: Davka Live-2005 (Tzadik Records). JEFF DENSON: Concentric Circles 2015 (Ridgeway Records). WALLY SCHNALLE'S IDIOT FISH: Live Album (2020). KAREN BLIXT: Mad Hope-2009 with Alex Acuna, Patrice Rushen, Abraham Laboriel, Randy Brecker. JOEL HARRISON: Spirit House (2015) Whirlwind.

Solo appearances: Solo bassoon performances in numerous locations including the DAFX Festival in Aviero, Portugal 2018; University of North Carolina School of the Arts 2021; Vanderbilt University 2022; University of Florida School of Music 2015; Green Music Center, Santa Rosa CA 2017; New Music Festival, Chico State School of Music 2018; With Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra (Electric bassoon concertino) 2016; Solo performances as part of Paul Dresher Ensemble

Notable performances/accomplishments: Domestic and European touring for 2 years with Billy Cobham's Crosswinds Project (2018-19); Recording and Touring for 2 years with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (2000-01); Performing Electric bassoon 380 shows a year with Cirque Du Soleil's ZED in Tokyo, Japan (2008-12); Performing at Carnegie Hall with Jon Baptiste's American Symphony (Sept 2022); Solo bassoon show in Aviero, Portugal at the DAFX Festival (Sept 2018); Performing with Billy Cobham in Moscow, Russia at the International House of Music, (Dec 2018); Paul Dresher Ensemble tour of Japan, Oct-Nov 1993 with the Interlink Festival and US State Department; Performing with Zenith Patrol (SF Boom Boom Room, 2003); Billy Cobham Crosswinds Ensemble featuring Randy Brecker (fall 2019)

Teaching Opportunities: Ithaca School of Music-Assistant Bassoon Professor for Lee Goodhew's Sabbatical, 2004; Currently an adjunct teacher for the California Jazz Conservatory, Berkeley CA and in-store teacher at Forrests Music; Multiple masterclasses in bassoon improvisation and use of electronics in the USA and Europe

Instrument: Fox Model 660

As one reviewer puts it: "Paul plays at the very highest level surpassing almost anyone's conception and ability on one of the most unforgiving instruments - ever. Over the past decade, Hanson has brought the double reed instrument into areas where it's seldom, if ever, gone before, combining a commanding improvisational sensibility with funk, classical, and world music influences."

For more information on Paul Hanson, visit his website here.

For the latest info on what he's up to, follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paulbassoon and Instagram at www.instagram.com/paulbassoon.

Pedro Díaz

Current position(s): Solo English Horn with Orchestra of Metropolitan Opera since 2005;

Previous position(s): Extended tenures as oboe and/or English horn with Filarmonica Jalisco (Mexico), Orquesta Sinfonica de Galicia (Spain), Natal Philharmonic (South Africa), and Pittsburgh Opera; Artist-in-Residence at SUNY Stony Brook University

Education: Escuela Libre de Música

Recordings: Recorded works for English horn by composers Gaetano Donizetti and Giuseppe Pilotti

Solo appearances: Spoleto Festival (Italy), New York Symphonic Ensemble (Japan tour), Orquesta Sinfónica de Xalapa, Puerto Rico Symphony, and two IDRS conferences

Commentary by critics: Díaz’s playing has been described by critics as evocative, eloquent, and expressive.

Notable performances/accomplishments: Díaz has been a guest musician with Chicago Symphony and New York Philharmonic. He collaborated as a performer/teacher at Aspen, Alba Music Festival, Le Domain Forget (Quebec), Bel Canto Institute, FOSJA (Puerto Rico), and Panama Double Reed Festival.

Teaching Opportunities: Díaz has lectured at Julliard, Manhattan School of Music, Hart Music School, and Duquesne University. He has given masterclasses in Panama, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Leipzig, and Berlin.

Instruments: Fox Tristan Model 580 and Fox Sayen Model 880 Grenadilla

For more information on Pedro Díaz, check out http://www.pedrordiaz.com/home.

Peter Kolkay

Current position(s): Associate Professor of Bassoon, Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University; Member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Previous position(s): University of South Carolina, West Virginia University

​Education: DMA, MMA: Yale University (study with Frank Morelli); MM: Eastman School of Music (John Hunt); BM: Lawrence University (Monte Perkins)

Recordings: 

Solo recordings: BassoonMusic: 21st Century American Works for Bassoon, CAG Records (2011); Michael Torke: West for bassoon and chamber orchestra, Albany Symphony (2019)

Upcoming solo recordings: Christopher Rouse: Bassoon Concerto, Albany Symphony (Albany Records); Music for Bassoon and Strings, Calidore String Quartet (Bridge Records)

Chamber music recordings on Sony (The Soldier's Tale with Roger Waters narrating), Bridge, Blue Griffin, and Tzadik Records.

Solo appearances: Concertos with the Albany Symphony, South Carolina Philharmonic, Waukesha Philharmonic, Westchester Philharmonic, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and Green Bay Symphony; Recitals at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, Ollin Yolitzli Cultural Center in Mexico City, Bargemusic, Wolf Trap, Teatro Nacional in Panama City, Panama, Chicago Cultural Center.

Notable performances/accomplishments:  Commission and premiere of works by Judah Adashi, Gordon Beeferman, Elliott Carter, Katherine Hoover, Tania León, Harold Meltzer, Russell Platt, John Fitz Rogers, Joan Tower, and Mark-Anthony Turnage; Summer chamber Music festivals: Bravo! Vail Valley, Bridgehampton, Maverick, Music@Menlo, Sarasota, Spoleto; Winner of a 2004 Avery Fisher Career Grant from Lincoln Center; First Prize, 2002 Concert Artists Guild Competition.

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses all over North America

Instrument: Fox Model 601

For more information on Peter Kolkay, visit his website here.

Shannon Lowe

Current position(s): Assistant Professor of Bassoon at the University of Florida School of Music; Principal Bassoon for the Albany (GA) Symphony Orchestra

Previous position(s): Associate Professor of Bassoon at Valdosta State University; Former Principal Bassoon of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra; Former Principal Bassoon of the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra

​Education: Doctor of Musical Arts from SUNY Stony Brook; Master of Music from the University of Florida; Bachelor of Music Education and Performance Certificate from the University of Florida

Recordings: A Musical Bouquet: Old, New and Borrowed Music for Bassoon and Strings on the MSR Classics Label

"I habitually think of a bassoon as a bass instrument, probably because that’s its role in a woodwind quintet. But Shannon Lowe shines her warm instrument in quite a different light. In these works she phrases her long lyrical lines so that they not only sing but breathe with the gorgeous tone of a high baritone..."
Gil French, American Record Guide

"the bassoon playing of Shannon Lowe [is] unforced, delightful and relaxed... [her] playing, demonstrating the expressive range of her instrument..."
Joel C. Thompson, Cherry Grove Music Review

"[Shannon Lowe] is really a dynamite performer on her chosen instrument, as we find abundantly on display in 'A Musical Bouquet,' together with a little help from her friends."
Phil Muse, Atlanta Audio Club

Solo appearances: Soloist for Michael Daugherty's "Dead Elvis" with the UF Chamber Players and the Albany Symphony Orchestra; Soloist on Mozart's Bassoon Concerto with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra

Notable performances/accomplishments: Performance at the Campos do Jordão International Music Festival as part of the American Chamber Winds; Regular performer at IDRS conferences; Premiered solo bassoon works at the at the Florida Electroacoustic Music Festival as well as the Third Practice Electroacoustic Music Festival in Richmond, Virginia.

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses throughout the United States and abroad

Instrument: Fox Model 601

Fun Fact: Dr. Lowe is one of the few bassoonists, if not the only one, to have performed the exposition of Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto for the captain (over speakerphone), crew, and passengers at over 30,000 feet on a late night Southwestern Airlines flight from NY to Florida.

For more information on Shannon Lowe, visit her website here.

Susan Tomkiewicz

Current position(s): Professor of Oboe at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music; Acting English Horn and Assistant Principal Oboe of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Previous position(s): University of Nebraska Omaha, Adjunct Professor of Oboe, Music History, and Music Appreciation; Luther College, Visiting Assistant Professor of Oboe; Texas Lutheran University, Adjunct Professor of Oboe and Music Appreciation

​Education: University of Texas at Austin, D.M.A. in Oboe Performance, graduated summa cum laude; University of New Mexico, M.M. in Oboe Performance, graduated magna cum laude; University of New Hampshire, B.A. in Oboe Performance

Recordings: Bells for Stokowski, Fandango, the PBS Texas Parks & Wildlife theme show music and Rebecca Henderson's latest CD entitled 'Gobo' and is in the process of completing the final few recordings before the release of her new CD

Solo appearances: Behold We Call them Blessed Those Who Have Endured, Sinfornia and Wienen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, by J.S. Bach with the University Singers and the Choral Union, Legacy Hall, Columbus State Unviersity (Nov. '17); Concerto a 7 in G Major, by Johann David Heinichen on the American Guild of Organists’ Concert, with the Baroque Consortium, Legacy Hall, Columbus State University (Sept. '17); Entrance to the Queen of Sheba for 2 Oboes and Orchestra, with The Baroque Consortium, Studio Theatre, Columbus State University (Sept. '16)

Notable performances/accomplishments:  World premiere of Alyssa Morris's Chrysalis, rescored for English horn and small chamber orchestra in Columbus, GA (Nov. '21); Legacy Concerto by Oscar Navarro with the Schwob Wind Ensemble of Columbus State University in Columbus, GA (April '22); hosted IDRS Conference in 2016

Instrument: Fox Sayen Model 880 Maple Oboe

Fun Facts: Susan is a registered Yoga Teacher, RYT 200 and is also certified in Yin Yoga. She is currently working on a 300 certification. When she's not practicing and making reeds, she loves spending time her husband, Bill, and her dog, Porter. She and her husband are amateur beekeepers.

For more information on Susan Tomkiewicz, visit her website here.

Simon Van Holen

Current position(s): Solo-Contrabassoon of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra; Professor of Bassoon & Contrabassoon at Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Previous position(s): Academy Position & Solo-Contrabassoon of the Düsseldorfer Symphoniker

Education: The Royal Conservatory in The Hague; Robert Schumann Musikhochschule

Recordings: Debut-album Pro Contra!

Notable performances/accomplishments: Took part in Zermatt Festival Academy and Gustav Mahler Academy; awarded the prize Prix de Salon for his extraordinary musicianship; performed with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Tonhalle Orchester Zurich, & Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen; has performed with some of the most legendary musicians, including Menahem Pressler, Ingo Goritzki, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Jürgen Kussmaul, and Wolfgang Boettcher

Teaching Opportunities: Regularly gives masterclasses around the globe

Instrument: Fox Model 920

For more information about Simon Van Holen, visit https://www.simonvanholen.com/

Ted Soluri

Current position(s): Principal Bassoon for Dallas Symphony Orchestra since 2015

Previous position(s): Principal Bassoon for Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (11 years) and Principal Bassoon for Santa Fe Opera (9 years)

Solo appearances: Mozart’s Concerto for Bassoon in Bb major, KV. 191, and Carl Maria von Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in F major and Andante and Hungarian Rondo, among others; two recitals at the IDRS conference in Muncie, IN

Notable performances/accomplishments: Soluri is a regular performer at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. In 2005, he toured with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and NYC’s Carnegie Hall.

Commentary from critics: “He approached the speedy, highly ornamented outer movements from a high place. Soluri made this music sound like elegant, pleasant play, a celebration of the instrument’s possibilities, and never like a struggle.” -- Tom Strini, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Education: Bachelor of Music from Florida State; Master of Music from Cleveland Institute of Music

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses at Florida State University, Eastman School of Music, Ball State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lawrence University, and Glickman-Popkin Bassoon Camp

Instrument: Fox Model 601

For more information, visit www.tedsoluri.com

John Miller

Current position(s): Faculty member at University of Minnesota

Previous position(s): Principal Bassoon for Minnesota Orchestra for 44 years before his retirement in 2015; member of American Reed Trio for more than twenty years, founded Bubonic Bassoon Quartet

Education: Peabody Conservatory and New England Conservatory; Fulbright grant for music study in Amsterdam

Recordings: Solo recordings include four concertos by Vivaldi, Mozart and Vanhal concertos

Notable performances/accomplishments: Miller has performed many times with the Minnesota Orchestra as well as numerous other orchestras. He was the longest-serving principal player in the history of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses at many of the world’s major conservatories and music schools; founded the Nordic Bassoon Symposium; Minnesota Bassoon Association

For more information on John Miller, visit his faculty page here.

Robert Williams

Current position(s): Principal Bassoon for Detroit Symphony since 1974; performs with the Cut Time Players, Neo-Bubonic Bassoon Quartet, DSO Bassoon Quartet, DSO Woodwind Quartet, and Grant Teton Music Festival; faculty member at Wayne State University

Previous position(s): Principal Bassoon for Tucson Symphony, Colorado Philharmonic Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony, and Winnipeg CBC Orchestra

Education: Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from University of Arizona; graduate school at University of Southern California

Recordings: Involved in Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s recordings conducted by Antal Dorati; recording with Neo-Bubonic Bassoon Quartet

Notable performances/accomplishments: Featured guest artist at University of Nebraska, Bowling Green State University, Arizona State University’s Bassoon Day, Fresno State University’s Double Reed Day, & Glickman-Popkin Double Reed Camp; played joint recital at IDRS in Evanston, IL

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses at Tanglewood, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Arizona.

Yoshiyuki Nakanishi

Yoshiyuki Nakanishi is Fox's first Artist Emeritus!

Current position(s): Teaching masterclasses throughout Asia and Europe

Previous position(s): Soloist and Principal Bassoonist of Nagoya Philharmonic (1975-2006); Principal Bassoon for London Symphony Orchestra Canada and New Chamber Winds; Japan Philharmonic Orchestra; Japan Fine Arts Music Association Director; Tokai Chamber Soloist Representative

​Education: Yoshi is a graduate of the Toho Music Conservatory and the Indiana University. His teachers were Munio Tozawa, Leonard Sharrow, and Stephen Maxim.

Notable performances/accomplishments: As a soloist, Yoshi performed and recorded concerti by Mozart, Hummel, Weber, and Jolivet with the London Mozart Players and Nagoya Philharmonic. He was awarded the "Culture Medal Aich Prefecture" in 1979.