BIOS
Meet The Artists
Get to know the performers and educators that proudly play on Fox Products instruments.
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Francisco Joubert Bernard
Francisco Joubert BernardInstrument: Fox Model 750 and Fox Model 601
Francisco is currently the acting second bassoonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, titled second bassoonist of the Louisville Orchestra, and lecturer of bassoon at the University of Louisville. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mr. Joubert Bernard completed his B.M. at the “Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico” and has an M.M. degree from the Yale School of Music. Before joining the Louisville Orchestra, Francisco was a bassoon fellow at the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida where he performed with renowned artists around the world including a soloist performance for the famous film composer John Williams conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas.
Besides his current orchestral performances with the Louisville Orchestra, Francisco has performed with orchestras such as The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and many others. Francisco was featured in the April 2024 volume of the International Musician.
Throughout his career, Francisco has been a very active advocate for music education by coaching in programs such as the National Youth Orchestra (NYO/NYO2) and VIA Academy, giving masterclasses around universities such as the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico, and at events such as MegQuigley. Francisco also has created an online platform for Spanish speakers to learn bassoon.
In addition to his interests in classical music, Mr. Joubert Bernard is also interested in other music genres, expanding the role of the bassoon in music through his online persona VG Bassoonist. In 2022 Francisco became one of Sphinx’s MPower Artist Grant recipients and plans to continue inspiring and educating young bassoonists through his online platforms with the aid of this grant.
Current positions: Second Bassoonist of the Louisville Orchestra; Bassoon Professor at the University of Louisville; Principal Bassoon of the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra; Owner of VGB Music Store
Fun Fact: Francisco loves video game soundtracks!
About the Artist's Instrument
The 750 allows me to focus on what truly matters, the music, rather than getting caught up in the technicality or problems that most bassoons inherit. Its evenness in scale, flexibility, and rich sound gives me the confidence to face even the most challenging musical situations with ease. I already loved Fox instruments, but this one’s taken it to a whole new level.
Features
- Hand-selected and aged mountain maple body with bordeaux finish
- Silver-plated keys, posts, bands, and boot cap
- Long bell compact model
- French bell ring (metal)
- Lining in wing joint and small bore of the boot
- Wood hand rest
- Neck strap ring
- Thread wrapped tenons
- Balance hanger
Keywork
- Full German key system
- Adjustable whisper key mechanism
- Low profile whisper key lock
- High F key
- High E key
- High D key
- High A bridge to whisper key
- Ring key for left hand third finger
- Right hand E♭ trill with alternate C♯ position
- Ergonomic right thumb keys
- Right thumb A♭-B♭ trill
- Rollers for left little finger E♭ and D♭
- Rollers for left thumb whisper key and C♯
- Rollers for left thumb low C and D
- Rollers for right thumb B♭ and F♯
- Ergonomic keys and rollers for right little finger F♯, F, and A♭
- Adjustable A tone hole vent
- Auxiliary low C♯ mechanism
I always wanted professional Fox bassoon when I was younger, and when I got to college my dad bought me a used 601, which I still play today! My 601 has a very dark and rich sound and is very versatile for whatever position I’m playing. Additionally, the pitch is very stable and flexible which helps when I’m playing in supportive roles.
Features
- mahoganyHand-selected and aged mountain maple body with bordeaux finish
- Silver-plated keys, posts, bands, and boot cap
- Traditional cut
- German bell ring (synthetic ivory)
- Lining in wing joint and small bore of the boot
- Wood hand rest
- Neck strap ring
- Thread wrapped tenons
Keywork
- Full German key system
- Left hand whisper key lock
- Right hand whisper key lock
- High F key
- High E key
- High D key
- High A bridge to whisper key
- Ring key for left hand third finger
- Articulated A♭ – B♭ Trill Key with B♭ Spectacle Guard
- Rollers for left little finger E♭ and D♭
- Double wide F♯ with roller
