ISB Convention 2013
June 2-8, 2013 | Eastman School of Music | Rochester, NY | If you play, teach, or just love the bass, then the ISB is for you!
Catching up with first-prize competition winners
by Zoe Kumagai on June 4, 2013
This is my second ISB Convention. Being here really feels like a family reunion. Even when meeting new bassists-friends it feels like we’ve known each other for longer. Last night we all gathered in Kodak Hall. First was the passing of a bedazzled, tailpiece-torch from a true bass enthusiast, former President John Kennedy, to the new President, the always-stunning Kristen Korb. Then the winners of the 14 & Unders, 15-18’s, Orchestral and Jazz competitions were announced. A double-bill concert kicked off the convention, featuring 2011’s solo and jazz competitions winners, Yi-Jung Su and Or Bareket. Afterwards I caught up with a few of the ISB2013 1st Prize winners.
14 & Unders Solo Competition: Daniel Tancredi
ISBConvetion.com: Where are you from?
Daniel Tancredi: Atlanta, Georgia
What grade are you in and how old are you?
I am a sophomore. I guess that makes me fourteen.
What inspired you to compete in the ISB solo competition?
My teacher, Doug [Sommer], recommended it, both for the experience and for meeting people.
What kind of rosin did you use today?
Pops.
15-18′s Winner: Zhixion Liu was unavailable for a interview
Orchestral Competition First Prize Winner: Christopher Johnson
ISBConvention.com: Where are you from?
Chris Johnson: Boston, MA
Where did you go to school?
NEC 1991-2006, MSM 2006-2008
That was a long time at NEC!
I did Project STEP first. That is a great program.
Who did you study with?
Don Palma and Tim Cobb. Oh, and my first teacher! Helen Stevenson. And I also want to say thank you to my parents.
What kind of rosin did you use today?
Pops. The red case.
*Belcanto Strings, Coda Metropolitian Bow, and my bass is a mute from Gage’s Shop.
Jazz Competition First-Prize Winner: Marty Jaffe
ISBConvention.com: Where are you from?
Marty Jaffe: Conway, MA
How old are you?
Eighteen.
Where do you go to school?
Columbia-Juilliard. I am a full time student at Columbia [University] and am enrolled in a jazz ensemble at Juilliard.
Who do you study with?
Ray Drummand. But I’ve gotten support from other teachers like John Clayton Sr.
Why did you want to come to ISB?
This is my first ISB Convention. The people are so generous with their knowledge. They are genuine people.
What kind of pick-up did you use today?
A Realist. Shout-out to David Gage.
Zoe Kumagai is a student at the University of Michigan and studies with former ISB President Diana Gannett.
Catching up with first-prize competition winners
This is my second ISB Convention. Being here really feels like a family reunion. Even when meeting new bassists-friends it feels like we’ve known each other for longer. Last night we all gathered in Kodak Hall. First was the passing of a bedazzled, tailpiece-torch from a true bass enthusiast, former President John Kennedy, to the…
Tuesday Schedule Highlights and Changes
Today marks the beginning of our glorious madness of workshops, Master Classes, concerts, exhibitions and more. Here are some notes to make for yourself: Bass Makers Competition Needs YOU to vote for your convention favorite bass. The workmanship and tone judges have finished their work, now it is your time to try out all the …
Competition Winners Announced
Monday, was an exciting day of competitions at the ISB Convention. We’d like to congratulate our winners: 14 & Under Solo First Prize – Daniel Tancredi Second Prize – William McGregor Third Prize – Noah Bailyn 15-18 Solo There is a tie for the new Thomas Martin Prize of $500 for the best performance of …