getting kids interested in playing double bass

[TBDBassman]

Hello Professor Neher:

I was curious if there are ways to get more kids and youth interested in learning to play the double bass. I have children involved in the U of A string project and no child ever signs up for bass. I also teach at at Sahuarita Intermediate School for grades 3-5 and none of the students signed up for the bass. I know there are the issues for parents as far as cost and the logistical problems of transporting the bass to and from school, but there really seems to be no interest in the bass. How can we encourage more kids to see the beauty of this wonderful instrument?

[PNeher]

Hi!
Glad you asked. In Arizona the three university porfessors of bass have been concerned with this for some time. I have held bass festivals in the past and we have now incoprporated a new organization; Arizona Bass Players, Inc. which will serve all bassists in Arizona (see: www.arizonabassplayers.org... and join!). We hope to begin outreach events, we have a yearly festival, and individual artists who are members in the org. are available to come to schools. I think one of the best ways to get kids involved is when they see enthusiasm from their parents, but especially from friends. The bass has had a bad rap in public schools, with few teachers that really know how to deal with and teach the unique issues the bass presents. Robert Frost, in Utah, saw this problem and created the books, Artistry in Strings, which has two bass books... one for "traditional" teachers and one for applying more innovative ideas ( ' course I consulted on the book, but I get no royalties... I just think it is a good book). If teachers use innovative texts, sometime that helps to get kids interested. But mainly we need to get kids interested by exposing them to cool concerts and activities. Come to my Oct. 31st concert to see what the bass and other musicians can do to really have fun in the business.
Best!
PN

[TBDBassman]

Thanks for the reply, Patrick! I agree that parents and friends should show this wonderful instrument to their kids and get them interested. That's one of the reasons why I decided to take up the double bass myself, to interest my own children. I'm learning to play an instrument along with them. I will definitely check out the book you recommend. And yes, I would love to come here your performance on Halloween!