Monday, March 9, 2009

Morehead State University Tuba-Euphonium Studio

The Morehead State University Tuba-Euphonium Studio is under the direction of Dr. Stacy Baker. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Baker at the 2008 International Euphonium Institute where she was a guest artist and clinician. We chatted several times during the week and I was able to get some information about her studio.

Morehead State is in a small community in Kentucky. Dr. Baker said that the music and public communities knew tuba and euphonium was present at the school, but she decided to take it one step further. Before her arrival, the tuba-euphonium ensemble had performed one concert per semester. Now the group is performing two or three times per semester and at various locations. She said, "Yes, we're everywhere. Morehead can't get enough tuba and euphonium!" The group plays on recitals at the university, on student degree recitals, as well as public outreach functions like Octubafest. It is clear that Dr. Baker's studio is hard at work. I heard them perform this past summer at the 2008 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were terrific. Their program included original works for tuba-euphonium ensemble, unique instrument combinations (the ensemble with guitar, percussion, timpani, etc.), as well as some student compositions and arrangements. Kudos to Dr. Baker and the Morehead State University Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble!

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