Civic Orchestra of Chicago Bass Section 1998

Believe it or not, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago used to advertise in Time magazine. Here is an ad from 1998 featuring the bass section. I am the second player from the right. One of my favorite things about this picture is the obvious empty stool in the middle of...

Interesting Gig Story – Chicago Master Singers

I had an interesting Chicago Master Singers performing experience that I’d like to share. A couple of years ago I was hired by the Chicago Master Singers (see previous post) as the only instrumentalist for a couple of their concerts. The concert program was...

Chicago Master Singers in Wheaton

I am playing this Friday and Satrday (10/20 and 10/21 at 8 p.m.) with the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Master Singers at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. For tickets, phone 630-752-5010 or visit this website. We are performing Mendelssohn’s...

Baboon "Gangs" Run Wild in Suburban South Africa

I just found this in a recent post on Boing Boing, and although it is not music or bass related in the slightest, I still think it is worth posting.From the National Geographic: Conflicts between baboons and humans in the suburbs of prosperous Cape Town have gotten so...

Illinois Music Educators Association student success

I’d like to congratulate my four students who made it into the District 7 Illinois Music Educators Association orchestra for Illinois. Scott Bakshis (who was principal bass for Illinois All-State last year), Ian Hallas (who was principal bass for district IMEA...