Dennis Whittaker has had a fascinating journey through the music world.

After his studies in music education at Baylor University and a masters degree with Jeff Bradetich at Northwestern University, Dennis found himself teaching middle and high school orchestra in Texas.

After seven years of teaching in the Waco and Houston public schools, a series of events occurred that propelled him into the professional performing world:

1. he landed the principal bass position for the Houston Grand Opera
2. he was hired to teach bass at the University of Houston
3. he began subbing regularly in the Houston Symphony

We dig into the events surrounding this transition and much more!

This episode is divided into three parts:

Part 1 – life in an opera orchestra

• what the season looks like
• why Dennis likes Handel’s Julius Caesar Overture for auditions
• how to audition for an opera orchestra

Part 2 – staying in shape for the long haul

• standing for opera performances – why Dennis decided to go in this direction
• what’s freeing about standing
• power playing and sitting
• how to get through a massive section like the end of Loenghrin
• Dennis’ three types of technical workouts on the bass

Part 3 – the paths of our lives

• Dennis’ journey through the music education world and into performance
• playing the Karr-Koussevitzky bass
• key takeaways for teenagers looking to music as a career

Links to check out:

• Dennis’ University of Houston faculty page
• Dennis playing the Karr-Koussevitzky bass
• Dennis and David Young opera excerpt session at ISB 2013

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

The Upton Bass String Instrument Company.  Upton’s Brescian model is a custom 3/4 double bass handmade in their Mystic, Connecticut workshop. It is a modern instrument with roots in the 16th century inspired by our favorite historic double basses. While Upton Bass has referenced these classic instruments before, the Brescian directly mirrors those archetypal double basses in its design — large shoulders, violin corners, deep ribs, dramatic top arching and pronounced canted backs. These qualities combine to create a larger air mass with great resonance and rich harmonics, packaged with the the ergonomics, geometry and accessibility that modern players expect from Upton Bass.

A440 Violin Shop – An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440’s commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

Bass Violin Shop –  Offers the Southeast’s largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!