The 10th RMDB Festival will be an action-packed weekend offering a wide variety of events that will give bass players of all levels and abilities lots of opportunities to improve their bass playing skills. Festival events will include 1) Technique Classes (bow control, left-hand technique, shifting and intonation)  2) Master  Classes (lessons with Festival Clincians)  3) Sessions for taking solo and orchestral excerpt playing to the next level  4) Jazz Bass   5) Guidance on auditioning for Allstate Orchestra   6) MONSTER BASS ENSEMBLE double bass orchestra (involves all festival attendees and clinicians)  7) Evening solo and duo recitals by clinicians.  Festival participants will get to know our world-renowned guest artists who will share their expertise and experience in an open and friendly way.  See Festival Schedule for more details.

If you want expert guidance that makes it easier to play in tune, get a good sound, play relaxed and pain free, and have more fun playing you double bass, then join us in Boulder.   Pizza lunch both days will gives all a chance to mingle.  There will be advice on good solo pieces, bass set-up, strings, etc.  Everyone has great time playing in the popular double bass orchestra MONSTER BASS ENSEMBLE, with rehearsals Saturday and Sunday, and a short concert on Sunday.  The Festival will be an inspiring weekend as participants and clinicians together enjoy being a part of the wonderful world of the double bass.

YOUR HELP IS CRUCIAL:  You are the crucial link in letting bass players know about the festival and encouraging them to attend.  Please pass along this information to bass players and teachers in your school and in your area.  Every bass player needs to know.

MASTER CLASSES:  If you any of you are interested in playing in one of the 5 master classes, please register early, as space is limited.  More info is on the REGISTRATION FORM at http://amazingbass.net.

WESTERN STATES HONORS ORCHESTRA and COLORADO ALLSTATE: High school bass players participating in these upcoming events will get specific guidance for doing their best in the live chair auditions.

MONSTER BASS ENSEMBLE: This bass orchestra gives bass players the opportunity to shine as they work alongside advanced university-age bass players, professionals, and clinicians.  Bass players learn important skills for playing in an ensemble: playing in tune, counting, and listening to those around them.  Everyone is important in this group.  And the basses get to play melodies!  Young bass players have to focus in, but they get lots of help.  MBE has been very popular in past bass festivals, and will surely be a lot of fun.  The MBE concert will be a high point for all.

BASS PLAYERS WILL GET LOTS OF HELP: High School, Middle School, and Elementary School bass players, many of whom do not have private teachers, will be given lots of guidance regarding proper left and right hand technique. 

YOUNGER BASS PLAYERS: Keeping in mind the shorter attention spans some younger bass players may have, Technique Sessions are being grouped together so that younger players can attend for 2-3 hours, and then leave. Please contact me paul.erhard@colorado.edu for suggestions.

GREAT DEAL ON LODGING:  Bass players from out of town have a special Festival rate at one of Boulder’s nicer hotels:  $45 per night for a double room including breakfast at the Boulder Broker Inn (see LODGING page for more info).   The four guest clinicians from Chicago, Cincinnati, Paris and Barcelona will all be staying there as well.  It will be a unique opportunity for participants.  The Broker Inn is about a 12-minute walk from the College of Music, and has a very nice restaurant.  Several other restaurants are right by the hotel, including a Denny’s across the street.  

ON SITE BASS REPAIR: several bass repair experts will be on hand to make minor adustments to basses  Basses and other bass items for sale will be on display.  More information coming.

FREE DOOR PRIZES!: There will be lots of valuable merchandise including bows, strings, carbon fiber endpins, etc. that will be given away to participants.  The list of door prizes donated continues to grow.  This is Awesome!