Summer Chamber Music Study

There is an opportunity for a few students of 15-25 age group to study the Chamber Music Repertoire (mostly WW quintets) in Southern California for two weeks from July 20 to August 2. They have never been short of bassoons before but seem to be this year. This shortage may result in half to full scholarships if you apply. You would be responsible for getting yourself out there.

Audition requirements for Bassoon:
(you may send CD/DVD/or MP3)
Mozart Bassoon Concerto K.191
Mvt. 1: mm35-71
Mvt. 2: mm7-30
Hindewith WW Quintet (Kleine Kammermusik)
Mvt.1 Letter D to 4 meas. after D
and letter F to 4 bars after F

Feel free to contact Ken Munday (the bassoon instructor) 818-970-6079 or e-mail mundayjk@yahoo.com, Steve Fraider in the 'office' to ask
questions(213-622-0355 or e-mail: IdyllartLA@aol.com).

Mozart Duo Perform in Bay Area

Walter Green, great bassoonist dies at 82

We lost a revered member of our bassoon family on December 3rd in Mendocino, California. Walter Green passed away quietly within view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean surrounded by his family and friends.

At age 82, Walter still had a sparkle in his eyes and a mission to educate the world about classical music. He had been ill with Parkinson's for several years, but was excellently cared for by his lovely wife, Polly.

A poignant service and burial were held in Mendocino on Wednesday, December 5th, with the ocean breeze carrying the scent of marine life as Walter's life was remembered and celebrated. Those in attendance, including myself, were awed by the amazing life Walter had lived and the many people whose lives he touched.

Walter retired from the San Francisco Symphony over 20 years ago, where he was principal bassoonist. He was a founding member of the Mendocino Music Festival and was popular in his coastal town for the success of the festival and for being a popular radio personality. On his radio program, he exposed the breadth of his knowledge of selected musical pieces and the history surrounding them. His hope was to illuminate classical music in a way that would inspire his listeners to attend concerts and support the musical arts.

Most people did not know that Walter was a holocaust survivor who lost members of his family in Europe during World War II. He was fortunate to have safely fled Germany as a child; and he later worked diligently to become an American citizen. Walter never took his new country for granted.

Those who remember Walter in the San Francisco Symphony know that he fought tooth and nail for a number of the benefits that the musicians now enjoy in their contract. Musically, he set the bar high for himself and his colleagues; and some considered him tough for this reason. But Walter was also a man of compassion, generosity and selflessness. This was evident in the funeral service on Wednesday, as person after person spoke about Walter -- his doctor, a conductor, students, neighbors, friends, musicians who had traveled 3 hours from San Francisco, his family, those who listened to his radio program, and so on.Fortunately, before Walter Green passed away, he was able to put his fascinating life story into a book entitled" Golden Tones ". We join Walter's family in celebrating his life and our loss.

Rufus & Vida Olivier and Family

Old English Christmas Feast! Rufus Olivier Jr. Honorary Chairperson

Wassail! Drink Hail! This year the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers are pleased to announce Rufus Olivier Jr. as their honorary chairperson. Come support this wonderful organization while getting into the holiday spirit!
www.ggbc.org

Award for Woodwinds and Brass

For Further Information Or Applications, Contact:
Catherine Tonn, Competiton Coordinator
3366 La Mesa Dr. #9
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 593.1327
cmtonn@comcast.net

Trumpet book for Bassoon?

An Anthology of Lyric Pieces for Trumpet and other instuments is one of the most helpful studies I have come across.
Firs,t it’s all about playing songs, and that’s the reason we play, to play melodies. This book will help you understand a phrase, control the breath and intonation. . It is in treble clef but that is also good to be able to read in treble clef .The book is filled with operatic songs and intermezzos. Author Jay Rizzetto is one of the bay areas leading trumpet players/ teacher. We have had conversations on the merits of just playing a tune. After all that’s what music is all about!
http://pasquina.com/

Auditons for Contra Costa Youth Orchestra

2007- 2008 Season

Play Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker

Perform In Disneyland!!!

The Contra Costa Youth Orchestra (CCYO) in comprised of talented middle and high school-age instrumentalist from throughout the county and beyond. CCYO rehearses at Miramonte High School in Orinda, Tuesdays 4:30- 6:30 pm beginning September 25, 2007. Formal concerts are presented in December and May, culminating with a gala benefit performance at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Other performances and activities are scheduled throughout the season.

Auditions!!

For all orchestral instruments

Contact: Greg Mazmanian, conductor

(925)254-5823