Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists

Martin Sheridan · #1 03-26-2007, 03:08 PM

The 14th annual conference of the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists will be held in Madison, WI April 6 and 7th.
This is one of the highlights of the year for me, and I plan on coming up from Mexico just to attend. Many of you know that Richard Davis won the Downbeat Jazz Poll for best bassist seven years in a row. He has also played classical music. Most of all he's one of the nicest people I've ever met and his love for the bass and for young bassists is witnessed by all who attend this conference. Last year our youngest bass player was only four years old and it's open to students through high school It's very affordable and Richard brings in some of the top teachers in the country. This year's lineup includes: Virginia Dixon, Diana Gannett, John Kennedy, David Murray, Kristin Korb, Barry Green, Larry Hutchinson, Paul Robinson, Donovan Stokes, Inez Wyrick and Bill Koehler. I think there are even more, but I'm running out of breath.

If you are a bass player and are looking for a great opportunity to learn some bass and have one of the best experiences of your life, look into this today.

Just put Richard Davis into your search engine and you'll find all the info you need.

I'm about to turn 62 year old, and I can say that this is one of the best things happening for young bassists. I walk on air for days afterwards, it is so much fun.

There are usually several bass makers present to show their wares too and one or two will bring their tools to help you out if you have a problem while you are there.

I hope to see some of you there and meet you in person.

orange-man · #2 03-26-2007, 03:52 PM

+1

My son will be participating in his 11th Richard Davis Conference. The environment is so positive and and the clinicians are the most talented selfless people you can imagine. They keep coming year after year from all over the country in the interest of helping young bassists advance their playing skills, and to grow their love for the bass, and they succeed on all counts. And what can you say about Richard, he is simply the best!

And there aren't too many places where you can participate in an 80-piece orchestra consisting of 100% basses.

I look forward to seeing you Martin. Here is a link for more information.

http://richarddavis.org/foundation/foundation.html

onemother · #3 03-27-2007, 11:52 AM

I haven't been to the conference, but friends in Madison tell me it's a great event to attend. Apparently, it's become a real institution in Madison.

I studied with Richard in the summer of '95, and he's a insightful, fun teacher, not too mention a great bassist and human being. I felt honored to study with him.

jasonheath · #4 03-27-2007, 03:20 PM

The Richard Davis Workshop is a great way to get exposure to some prominent double bass teachers. The faculty is very strong and from diverse schools of playing, and it is well worth the trip.

Eli_Upright12 · #5 03-27-2007, 03:28 PM

For the third year in a row im going to be missing this, because I was out of town, I'm a little bit irked about it, because I have heard such great things about it, I am going to it for sure next year.

Martin Sheridan · #6 04-04-2007, 11:22 AM

Well, it's be happening this Friday and Saturday. I'm heading up tomorrow.
I always thought Richard would have more attendees if he had it on another weekend since Good Friday is such an important religious day in the Christian tradition and many leave on Easter Sunday to get back home. but he told me once that it's the only weekend of the year that he's sure he won't be booked. Even so, I think he might have missed one year because he had to go to Japan to play?

orange-man · #7 04-04-2007, 12:28 PM

Have a good trip Martin, we'll see you there!

One other reason that I always heard to have it on this weekend is that the University of Wisconsin is closed, so we get complete access to all those rooms in the conference center and concert hall, which we wouldn't get on any other Friday or Saturday.

Martin Sheridan · #8 04-04-2007, 04:21 PM

I always thought that UW should sponsor this event since Richard has been associated with them for such a long time.
For a number of years it was held at a Catholic College there.
And believe me, the college was pretty much shut down except for us. I'm looking forward to seeing you and yours once again.
cousin martin