Listeners gathered in Person Hall Sunday afternoon to enjoy the low, melodic tone of the string bass for the UNC Double Bass Class Recital, “Bass Blast!”
The student performers said they were eager to show off for family and friends after a year’s hard work with their instrument.
Peter Daaleman, a senior music major, said he was excited about playing in “Bass Blast!” because of the family atmosphere.
“It’s nice because it’s not very stressful or anything — no one’s really judging anybody else — it’s all just everybody getting together to enjoy people playing bass,” Daaleman said. “And it’s a nice break from the normal competitive nature at UNC.”
Bob Anderson, the classical instructor for string bass, said he has organized “Bass Blast!” for the past six years because he wanted every bass player to get a chance to perform.
“I just thought it was important to have a class recital so everybody played at least once a year for the public and for each other,” Anderson said.
Anderson said that before “Bass Blast!,” there wasn’t an opportunity for all the bass players to play together with no other instruments. Most people don’t realize the bass’ versatility and ability to play solo.
“A lot of people that aren’t bass players don’t realize the flexibility of the instrument. It can play classical, jazz, bluegrass, rockabilly, rock — there’s virtually no style of music that you can’t play on the bass,” Anderson said.
Jason Foureman, the jazz bass instructor, agreed with Anderson about the bass’ flexibility. He also said that most people don’t realize how hard it is to play bass.
“Basically it’s difficult because it’s awkward,” he said. “You have to balance the instrument, so there’s more coordination involved.”
Foureman said though that he and his students have a lot of fun when playing bass together.
“There’s a lot of talent and heart involved. It’s good for everybody,” he said.
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