360: The Making of the ISB

Today’s episode features a panel discussion with individuals that started the International Society of Bassists, guided it through the early years, and helped shape it to what it is today.

The panel includes:

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

Here are a few of the key historical highlights for this organization:

  • 1967 – Gary Karr founds the International Institute for String Bass (IISB)
  • 1974 – organization is relaunched by Barry Green and Lucas Drew as the International Society of Bassists (ISB)
  • 1982 – Jeff Bradetich is appointed executive director
  • 1984 – ISB Convention at Northwestern University
  • 1986 – ISB Convention at University of Texas at Austin
  • 1988 – ISB Convention at UCLA
  • 1990 – ISB Convention at New York University
  • 1993 – ISB Convention at Interlochen Arts Academy
  • 1995 – ISB Convention at Indiana University
  • 1997 – ISB Convention at Rice University
  • 1999 – ISB Convention at University of Iowa
  • 2000 – ISBworldoffice.com launched
  • 2001 – ISB Convention at Butler University
  • 2003 – ISB Convention at University of Virginia
  • 2005 – ISB Convention at Western Michigan University
  • 2007 – ISB Convention at Oklahoma City University
  • 2008 – ISB Store and ISB Editions launched
  • 2009 – ISB Convention at Penn State
  • 2011 – ISB Convention at San Francisco State University
  • 2013 – ISB Convention at Eastman School of Music
  • 2015 – ISB Convention at Colorado State University
  • 2017 – ISB Convention at Ithaca College

The ISB has a great history page on their website with more detailed information.

Thanks to our sponsors!

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By Jason

An active double bass performer and teacher, Jason teaches double bass at DePaul University and served on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists for many years. Jason is the current President of the Illinois chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Jason has been a member of the Elgin Symphony since 2000 and has played with the Midsummer’s Music Festival in Door County for the past decade. He is a past member of the Milwaukee Ballet and IRIS Orchestra, and has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, and numerous other professional ensembles.