THE RICHARD DAVIS FOUNDATION


19th ANNUAL BASS CONFERENCE

April 6-7, 2012

 

download application form (.pdf)

 

Richard Davis, Bass Professor at the University of Wisconsin, announces that the 19th Annual Bass Conference will take place on on April 6-7, 2012 in Madison, Wisconsin. The Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists, Inc., seeks to educate bassists from preschool through high school. The Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation that solicits funds and donations needed to offset expenses.

This year's clinicians include: Richard Davis, Tine Asmundsen, Virginia Dixon, Peter Dominguez, Diana Gannett, Larry Hutchinson, Jerry Jemmott (electric bass), John Kennedy, Bill Koehler, David Murray, Bette Premo, Rufus Reid, Paul Robinson, Beau Sample, Donovan Stokes, and Inez Wyrick.

The conference will take place on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison at the Lowell Extension Conference Center near Lake Mendota and State Street.  Tuition is $210.00 for each student.  Parents are encouraged to attend (required for students age 16 and under), along with other family members at no tuition cost.  Lunch and dinner for both days totals $52.00 per person.  Housing is available in The Lowell Center, and Thursday night arrival is suggested.  Breakfast is included in the room fee for those staying at Lowell  and is available on request for others at a cost of $8.00 for each breakfast.    Registration starts Friday, April 6 at 7:45 a.m. at Lowell; the conference begins at 9:00 am.

 

 

About the Conference

Welcome to the world of the Richard Davis Foundation Bass conference!  You will take part in an intensive and exciting weekend for young bassists from preschool through high school.  Nothing compares to the experience of immersion in bass for 2 days with as many as 80 other young bassists and up to 17 of the nationÕs finest teachers and performers.  Unique in its combination of size (so many bass players!) and its multiple emphasis on European classical, jazz, and electric bass, this conference has become the premier event for young bassists each year.

Founded in 1994 by University of Wisconsin Professor and jazz legend Richard Davis with the goal of sharing his love of bass with a new generation of musicians, conference has become a highlight for hundreds of young bassists through the years. Under the sponsorship of the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists, Inc., Richard and his fellow clinicians share their love and passion for bass with young musicians from throughout the Midwest and around the country.

Prepare yourself for two days of music-making, learning and fun with your bass! Your schedule will be created for you based on your age, interest and experience. For the very young student, we tailor the program to be enriching without being overtaxing.

Included in the two days are master classes for those performing recitals, orchestral studies, beginner classes, healthy technique, fundamental/musicianship classes, small ensemble and individual coaching, clinician Q & A session, parent class. Performances include Friday night clinician concert, Saturday night full conference bass orchestra and small ensembles concert, solo recitals, and sibling band/orchestra performances. Informal discussions with clinicians over meals will help to determine your individual needs and interests. Other features include library, bass repair/adjustments, basses and accessories for sale.

Families take note! This is a weekend for families as well as young bassists. Events are included for parents as well as students. Siblings are invited to bring their instruments and join our popular sibling "band." Led by Bette Premo, this is an important part of the Richard Davis Foundation Bass Conference.

There are no tuition costs for parents or siblings.

Conference Logistics

Location. The 2012 conference will be held in the Pyle Center at 702 Langdon Street, and the Lowell Center at 610 Langdon Street. These are UW-Extension Conference Centers on campus near the Memorial Student Union on Lake Mendota, and within walking distance of State Street and the Capitol. The Friday and Saturday night concerts take place at the UW Music School's Mills Hall.

Time. The conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Registration takes place at The Lowell Center Friday between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m. Friday.

Cost for Student. The basic cost for the 2-day workshop is $262.00 -- which includes tuition at $210.00,  and lunch and dinner for both days at $52.00.  Breakfast is included in the room fee for those staying at The Lowell Center.  Others can sign up for breakfast at a cost of $8.00 per breakfast.   There is an extra charge of $12.00 for those who request an accompanist for their recital (see application for details).

Cost for Other Family Members. Non-bassist siblings participate in the sibling "band" for free. Lunches and dinners for the two days -- for siblings, parents, and other non-students -- are available at the $52.00 rate.  Breakfasts are complimentary for those staying at Lowell and can be requested by others for $8.00 each.   We have found that families have a more enjoyable time when they are not hunting for meals while trying to be a part of our very full schedule.  There is no charge for the evening concerts.

Housing. We highly recommend staying in The Lowell Center, one of the two conference buildings. It is a recently remodeled 7-story hotel with indoor swimming pool/saunasauna and fitness room.  The nightly rate for standard guest rooms (with two European (small) Double beds or a Queen bed) is $89.00 for one person, plus $12.00 for each additional person, children under age 12 at no charge.  Deluxe rooms (with various combinations of King, Queen(s) or European Double beds) start at $105.00 for one person, with the same charges for additions.   This rate includes an expanded continental breakfast each morning, free parking off site (within 3 blocks), and all taxes.  Parking is available in the Lowell lot for $8.00 / night. 

See the sections under Lodging at http://conferencing.uwex.edu for more information about The Lowell Center.

NOTE: YOU ARE TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOUSING RESERVATIONS.

Call toll-free 1-866-301-1753, or register on-line at http://conferencing.uwex.edu  (click on Lodging, then scroll down to  Reservations and Availability, then click on online reservation sysyem. Check Conference and Event Block Reservation, and follow instructions.  For Group Number, enter bass.)

A block of rooms is guaranteed at The Lowell Center for the bass conference through MARCH 22.

 

Direct link to the room block:  http://bit.ly/bass05apr

 

The site opens showing 3 nights; you will set your own arrival/departure dates.

Other ways to book your room at The Lowell Center:

Host Housing Available. Free housing is available with host families in Madison. Call Rosalind Zerofsky at 608-833-7366 to arrange for this service offered by friends of the Richard Davis Foundation. Please make these arrangements by March 22.

How to Apply. Please print and fill out the Application and mail it with your fees and recital music for your accompanist if you have requested one to:

Jane Vea
601 Bordner Dr
Madison WI  53705-2556

The suggested deadline is deadline is MARCH 15.  Note that the recital/master class slots are first-come, first-served, and have been filling up early.  Make checks payable to Richard Davis Foundation.

 

Further Logistics. We will e-mail directions and any final information to the email address on the application, the week before the conference.

For information, please contact Jane Vea at janevea@sbcglobal.net or 608-236-0262, 608-234-2384 (cell).