About the Conference

Welcome to the world of the Richard Davis Foundation Bass Conference! You will take part in an intensive and exciting weekend for young bassists ages 3-18. Nothing compares to the experience of immersion in bass for 2 days with 80 other young bassists and 17 of the nation's finest teachers and performers. Unique in its combination of size (so many bass players!) and its multiple emphasis on European classical, jazz, and electric bass, this conference has become the premier event for young bassists each year. Founded in 1994 by University of Wisconsin Professor and jazz legend Richard Davis with the goal of sharing his love of bass with a new generation of musicians, the conference has grown each year. Under the sponsorship of the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists, Inc., Richard and his fellow clinicians share their love and passion for bass with young musicians from throughout the Midwest and around the country.

Prepare yourself for two days of music-making, learning and fun with your bass! Your schedule will be created for you based on your age, interest and experience. For the very young student, we tailor the program to be enriching without being overtaxing. Included in the two days are master classes, orchestral studies, beginner classes, healthy technique, fundamental/musicianship classes, small ensemble and individual coaching, clinician Q & A session, parent class. Performances include Friday night clinician concert, Saturday night full conference bass orchestra and small ensembles concert, solo recitals, and sibling band/orchestra performances. Informal discussions with clinicians over meals will help to determine your individual needs and interests. Other features include library, bass repair/adjustments, basses and accessories for sale.

Families take note! This is a weekend for families as well as young bassists. Events are included for parents as well as students. Siblings are invited to bring their instruments and join our popular sibling "band." Led by Bette Premo, this is an important part of the Richard Davis Foundation Bass Conference. (NO TUITION COST FOR PARENTS OR SIBLINGS!)

Conference Logistics

Location. The 2008 conference will be held in the Pyle Center at 702 Langdon Street, and the Lowell Center at 610 Langdon Street. These are UW-Extension Conference Centers on campus near the Memorial Student Union on Lake Mendota, and within walking distance of State Street and the Capitol. The Friday and Saturday night concerts take place at the UW Music School's Mills Hall.
Time. The conference runs 9:00 a.m.-- 9:00 p.m. Friday, and 9:00 a.m.-- 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Registration takes place at The Lowell Center 7:45 -- 8:45 a.m. Friday.

Cost for Student. Each student's cost for the 2-day workshop is $250.00, which includes the tuition at $198.00 and meals (3 a day for both days) at $52.00. There is an extra $10.00 charge for those requesting an accompanist for the recital (see application form for details).

Cost for Other Family Members. Non-bassist siblings participate in the sibling "band" for free. Meals for siblings and parents are available at the $52.00 rate. We have found that families have a more enjoyable time when they are not hunting for meals while trying to be a part of our very full schedule. There is no charge for the evening concerts.
Housing. We highly recommend staying in The Lowell Center, one of the two conference buildings. It is a recently remodeled 7-story hotel with indoor swimming pool/sauna. Guest rooms have either two European (small) double beds or a queen bed and recliner. Rates start at $81.00 for one person, $10.00 for each additional person, with children under 12 at no charge. This rate includes parking and all taxes.

MAKE YOUR OWN HOUSING RESERVATIONS DIRECTLY WITH THE LOWELL CENTER.
Call toll-free 1-866-301-1753, or register on-line at http://conferencing.uwex.edu (click on "Lodging," then "Reservations and Availability," then "The Lowell Inn & Conference Center." Check "Conference and Event Block Reservation," and click on "book a room online." For Group Number, enter "bass." The password, if needed, is "Lowell.")
We encourage you to make your reservations by March 1, as the block of rooms is guaranteed through that date.

The Lowell Center
610 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53703-1104
Front Desk: 608-256-2621
Reservations (Toll Free): 866-301-1753
Online: http://conferencing.uwex.edu
Fax: 608-262-5445
E-mail: lowell@ecc.uwex.edu

Host Housing Available. Free housing is available with host families in Madison. Call Rosalind Zerofsky at 608-833-7366 to arrange for this service offered by friends of the Richard Davis Foundation. Please make these arrangements by March 6.
How to Apply. Please print application form (see link at the top of the page), fill out and mail it with your fees by March 1. Please note that the recital/master class slots are first-come, first-serve, and have been filling up early.

Further Logistics. We will e-mail directions and any final information to the email address on the application, the week before the conference. Please print information sheet for your files (see link at the top of the page).
For information, please contact Jane Vea at janevea@sbcglobal.net or 608-236-0262, 608-234-2384 (cell).