From the included group photograph, we can see at once that the concept of intensive master class situations for double reed players is a tremendous success! From all reports, the initial one-week camp experience for 70 bassoonists at the idyllic-sounding location of Wildacres, Little Switzerland, North Carolina (U.S.A.) was one of great information sharing, learning and friendship.
Participants ranged in experience from professional bassoonists in the National Symphony (Washington), Atlanta Symphony, North Carolina Symphony and many smaller orchestras, to many bassoon teachers, students at various levels of advancement and amateur performers.
Loren Glickman, the noted New York-based teacher and artist performer with the Casals Festival, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center, inspired many bassoonists with his demonstrations and discussions. His topics included: "Be an artist, not a bassoon player - Breathing: nerves and tension - To vibrate or not to vibrate: how, when, to what degree? - Baroque improvisation - Tricks of the trade - Harmonic intonation - Lighter and Brighter (tone quality) - Highs and Lows-Technique and your hands."
Mark Popkin, bassoonist of the well-known Clarion Wind Quintet and co-author with Mr. Glickman of a fine reed-making method, gave detailed instruction in the art of reed construction and final trimming.
Alan Fox, manufacturer of Fox bassoons, contrabassoons and oboes, discussed the acoustical nature of the bassoon. And James O. Laslie, the excellent bassoon repair artisan of Indianapolis, Indiana, serviced many bassoons extensively (as part of the camp's program) and discussed the care and repair of bassoons. One participant's comments on Mr. Laslie's help is indicative of its worth: "Bassoon repairs were very extensive, much more than any of us could have expected. Very gratifying and valuable!"
Mark Popkin informs us, "We definitely plan to have another Bassoon Camp next summer (1980), and I would suggest that interested parties write to me at:
740 Arbor Road
Winston-Salem
North Carolina 27104
(919) 725-5681
In general, the format and staff will be about the same, but I hope to have a longer session with more time devoted to performance and reed making."