2021 Virtual Bassoon Symposium
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Presentations Masterclasses Recitals Vivaldi Competition Exhibit Hall
Pre-College Session
Questions? Contact the Pre-College Session Director, Stephanie Willow Patterson here
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Welcome to our college fair, hosted by Evelyn Coffey! Virtually visit professors and admissions teams from conservatories, colleges, and universities from across the United States. Make connections and find out what each school has to offer! Every school you visit will enter you in a grand prize drawing for a Marcus Bonna bocal case and other great prizes from our sponsors. Open to registered high school and undergraduate bassoonists.
1:00pm EST/10:00am PST (60 minutes)
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Participants will play repertoire they are preparing for upcoming auditions of any kind, including All-State, college and scholarships, honor bands and/or youth orchestras, and summer festivals. Those not preparing for a specific event can perform for feedback from our panel, comprised of Marissa Olegario, Stephanie Patterson, and Ann Shoemaker. There will also be sight reading practice offered at varying levels.
6:30pm EST/3:30pm PST (60 minutes)
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Learn foundational skills to apply to your own reed making whether you make your own reeds or purchase them. Topics covered will include the qualities of “the perfect reed,” how to evaluate your reed, wires and pliers, and how to scrape your reed. Minimal tools are required to fully participate: a not-perfect reed, plaque, wet/dry 400 grit sandpaper, and pliers. Taught by GoBassoon Reeds owner, Leigh Muñoz.
6:30pm EST/3:30pm PST (60 minutes)
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*If you would like to purchase a reed to evaluate you can purchase one at a discount from www.GoBassoon.com for $10 (including shipping) using the coupon code MQVC2021
Join the Meg Quigley Competition Finalists for a special interactive session exploring how to combine your love of music with a passion for social issues, outreach, engagement, and other ways to connect with your community.
3:00pm EST/12:00am PST (60 minutes)
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In this session we explore ways to connect with our communities and use our skills to share our music powers beyond the concert hall. This session will set the stage for the interactive workshop with the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition Finalists, immediately following.
1:30pm EST/10:30am PST (60 minutes)
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We have the ability to approach those aspects of music that often feel elusive. During this class we will discuss and explore fundamental musical and artistic tools at our disposal, which can broaden our musical capacity and individualism. There will be a traditional masterclass for a couple of students to play in the second half of the session.
12:00pm EST/9:00am PST (60 minutes)
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This session will cover the fundamentals of basic articulation including tongue placement, shape, and motion. A portion of the session will introduce double-tonguing and attendees will participate in a variety of different exercises and methods to help develop this skill. All participants should have their bassoons ready to play and experiment at home during the session. There will also be time towards the end of the session for questions from attendees about specific troubles they are experiencing with articulation in the music they are practicing.
11:00am EST/8:00am PST (60 minutes)
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Jessica Findley Yang, Principal Bassoonist of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, will guide the students through the entire process of taking auditions, from the first practice session to the final round. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and get advice from Jessica, who has taken over 20 professional orchestral auditions. Students will also be invited to play in the session (with mics off) to explore different warm-ups and scale patterns to use on audition day.
8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST (60 minutes)
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Performing for others is different than playing by ourselves. Somehow, when someone else is listening, distracting thoughts and feelings can interfere with our best laid plans. This session will focus on how to manage and embrace the different physical and mental sensations that may occur when we perform. There are things we musicians can do to boost our confidence around our ability to share our music in fulfilling and healthy ways.
6:30pm EST/3:30pm PST (60 minutes)
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Welcome to our college fair, hosted by Evelyn Coffey! Virtually visit professors and admissions teams from conservatories, colleges, and universities from across the United States. Make connections and find out what each school has to offer! Every school you visit will enter you in a grand prize drawing for a Marcus Bonna bocal case and other great prizes from our sponsors. Open to high school and undergraduate bassoonists.
6:00pm EST/3:00pm PST (30 minutes)
Click here to join the zoom meeting
Whether you know you want to major in music, or you're just curious what the audition process is like, this session will outline the steps of applying to a college music program, including how to contact the teacher, what to look for in a program, and navigating the scholarship process. Bring your questions! There will be a traditional masterclass for a couple of students to play in the second half of the session.
5:00pm EST/2:00pm PST (60 minutes)
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Despite the bassoon being a bass instrument, we all face the challenge of mastering its high register. This session will give you the strategies and tools you need to expand and improve your high range. Whether you're just venturing above the bass clef staff or tackling the Rite of Spring, this session is for you! There will be a traditional masterclass for a couple of students to play in the second half of the session.
4:00pm EST/1:00pm PST (60 minutes)
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Professor Jensen will work with all participants on producing a characteristic bassoon tone that is in tune and has dynamic flexibility. Have your instrument out and be ready to experiment! We will use long tones, slow scales, breathing exercises and Example 1, “Nature Walk” from Unit 7 of Music and the Bassoon. Two students will be asked to perform solos or etudes of their choice to receive coaching.
2:30pm EST/11:30am PST (60 minutes)
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Explore how to use score study, recording, and exercise composition to prepare orchestral excerpts from Scheherazade and the Marriage of Figaro. Participants will be given copies of the excerpts in advance, and should have their bassoons out and be ready to play along with exercises throughout the class.
1:30pm EST/10:30am PST (60 minutes)
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Learn how to start your practice session with purpose! Topics discussed will include stretching to prevent injury, increasing focus, developing routines, and improvisation.
12:00pm EST/9:00am PST (60 minutes)
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Join the Meg Quigley team for a kick off to the 2021 Pre-College Session! Download the Session Handout
11:30am EST/8:30am PST (30 minutes)
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