Double Bass at the
University of Illinois
 
Classical and Jazz Double Bass at the University of Illinois A Resource for Classical And Jazz Bass Studies Double bass studies at the University of Illinois are now some of the most comprehensive in the nation, thanks to the addition of Professor Larry Gray to the faculty, joining Professor Michael Cameron. Professor Gray is in the top rank of the finest American jazz bassists and teachers. Illinois is now one of a small handful of music schools world-wide with two full time double bass professors. No wonder Illinois bass grads fill positions as orchestra bassists, jazz stalwarts, university professors, and public school teachers around the globe. Comments are welcome, as are suggestions for links or items for inclusion. School of Music: http://www.music.uiuc.edu/home.php Larry Gray: www.larrygraymusic.com Contact Professor Cameron: mjcamero@uiuc.edu Cameron’s music blog: www.MCMusicBlog.com BassScores Editions: www.BassScores.com It was a busy autumn at the U of I. First, bassist and Illinois alumni Greg Garrison brought his Grammy nominated quintet The Punch Brothers to KCPA September 9. Next Michael Hovnanian of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra gave a master class for the bass studio September 23, the same day the orchestra gave a spectacular performance at Krannert. Five days later bassist extraordinaire Robert Black came with the legendary Bang on a Can for a sensational marathon concert. Finally the Prairie Bass Quartet (Professor Cameron and 3 DMA students, Alex McHattie, Hunter Capoccioni, and Garold Fowler) visited four Chicago-area schools: Libertyville, Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, and New Trier. SEE HIGHLIGHTS ON THE PHOTO PAGE January updates: The University Orchestra ended the semester with a rousing rendition of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony. In January, DMA bassists Alex McHattie and Garold Fowler performed Prof. Cameron’s arrangement of Thomas Morely’s Renassaince beauty Lament, along with two duets by Glen Stallcop in Indianapolis . Professor Gray and Cameron are preparing for a rare duo bass recital Feb. 11, and Cameron is readying the premier of composer Steve Taylor’s “The God Particle” March 12 in a solo faculty recital. Frank Proto’s Carmen Fantasy will round out that program. Finally, bass grad Glenn Dewey (a member of the “President’s Own” marine band) took part in the HBO televised Lincoln Memorial concert as part of inauguration festivities. He worked with such luminaries as Renee Fleming, Tom Hanks, and Beyonce. Photos coming soon... Hot off the press... A new cd by U of I jazz bass professor Larry Gray, with “...sophistocated arrangements, gorgeous acoustic and electric string textures by Gray...” Downbeat, February, 2009 see Downbeat on Photos page. audio samples coming soon... Even HOTTER! The Pacifica Quartet of the University of Illinois has won the 2009 Grammy Award for best Chamber Music Recording. A hearty congrats to my terrific string colleagues. http://www.music.uiuc.edu/home.phphttp://www.larrygraymusic.commailto:mjcamero@uiuc.eduhttp://www.MCMusicBlog.comhttp://www.BassScores.comhttp://www.BassScores.comhttp://www.music.uiuc.edu/home.phpshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4shapeimage_2_link_5shapeimage_2_link_6