Leading Bass Fest 2022 will be (from left): Kieran Hanlon, Lloyd Goldstein and Dennis Whittaker.
The vital role that a diverse skillset can play in a musician’s pursuit of a successful career will be highlighted at Bass Fest 2022 at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
“Career perspectives for the modern bassist” is the theme of the event to be held on Feb. 20.
“As we enter the post-COVID music business, all musicians are facing more challenges than ever. We have also learned that diversity of skillset is in some ways no longer just an advantage, but an absolute necessity to thrive as a professional musician,” said Assistant Professor of Double Bass Kieran Hanlon.
Multifaceted bassists Dennis Whitaker, opera orchestra principal, author and publisher and K-12 teacher, and Lloyd Goldstein, a certified music practitioner at the Moffitt Cancer Center of Tampa, Fla., composer and international soloist, will join Mr. Hanlon, a symphony orchestra player, jazz performer and member of Fredonia’s School of Music faculty, in the day-long event.
“We will be focused on sharing our experiences as individuals that can do many things at a high level, and the balancing act that goes with such a career through performances, classes and discussions,” Hanlon explained. The goal of open conversations is for attendees to gain inspiration and information that helps them build careers. How these pursuits interface with each other and with a healthy lifestyle will also be addressed.
Students at the high school and college levels, as well as professional players, teachers and adult learners are welcome at Bass Fest. A high school solo competition, conducted in two rounds, will be held during the morning. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places.
The registration deadline for the competition is Jan. 25. The competition application fee is $15. The registration deadline for Bass Fest is Feb. 17. The registration fee is $40.
Bass Fest is presented in partnership with the International Society of Bassists, and is additionally sponsored by the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, the Fredonia Bass Society and the Fredonia Jazz Workshop.
More information and registration details are available online. Specific questions can be submitted to Hanlon via email.
