As a highly regarded bassoonist, Brian Jack has performed with ensembles such as the Colorado Ballet, Colorado Music Festival, MahlerFest Symphony Orchestra, Wyoming Symphony, and the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. He is an avid chamber musician, having formed the Boulder Bassoon Quartet and played with the award-winning Antero Wind Quintet.
After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance and Education at Ithaca College, he earned both his DMA and Master’s Degree in Bassoon Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Colorado. Throughout his studies, Brian performed as principal bassoonist with school ensembles, recorded with the CU Wind Symphony (CD available on Amazon and iTunes) under the baton of Allan McMurray, took part in several competitions, wrote successful grant proposals, and achieved high academic honors. While a graduate student, he was appointed the bassoon studio’s Teacher’s Assistant. In addition to his studies with Dr. Lee Goodhew-Romm, Dr. Yoshiyuki Ishikawa, and Glenn Einschlag, Brian has performed in masterclasses and studied with Michael Sweeney, Christopher Millard, Peter Kolkay, and Kim Walker.
Brian’s affinity for education and community involvement has played a large role in his life. He earned his New York State certification in music education while at Ithaca, maintains a private studio, and is currently the Applied Music Instructor of Bassoon for the University of Colorado’s Continuing Education program. He is an active member of both the International Double Reed Society and the American Federation of Musicians Union.
After having been the first Executive Director of the High Plains Youth Symphony for two years, Dr. Jack is now the Executive Director of the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras, a new youth orchestra combining the best of the Boulder Youth Symphony and the High Plains Youth Symphony. Located in Boulder, Colorado, this non-profit youth orchestra is under the musical leadership of Gary Lewis, the Director of Orchestral Studies at the CU College of Music.
Have a look at his resumé, pedagogy project, and pictures from a recent road trip.