Fredonia to host ‘Double Reed Day’ for middle/high school musicians

Double Reed Day, an enriching experience that allows middle and high school oboists and bassoonists to spend a day working with double reed faculty at the Fredonia’s School of Music in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15, in Mason Hall.

The day features master classes focusing on both solo performing and the techniques of playing, coached double reed chamber music reading sessions and a final double reed ensemble performance for all participants.

Serving as special guest artists will be Tim Gocklin (oboe) and Dr. Ryan Reynolds (bassoon), both of the acclaimed Akropolis Reed Quintet, recipient of six national chamber music honors.

Known for sensitive, colorful and engaging performances, Mr. Gocklin performs chamber music in a wide variety of settings, including regular appearances with the New York Chamber Soloists Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s and on Broadway for “Phantom of the Opera.” He performed Hindemith’s “Die Serenaden” as part of the Yale in New York series, participated in Sarasota and Norfolk chamber music festivals and spent a summer as a member of Interlochen Ensemble, a quintet-in-residence at the Interlochen Arts Camp.

Gocklin was a winner in the inaugural U.S. President’s Own Marine Band Concerto Competition. He can be heard on the NAXOS and Block M record labels and has participated in other recording projects, including two albums with the University of Michigan Symphony Band in 2010 and 2012. Gocklin has a M.M. and an Artist Diploma from Yale University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

A passionate educator, Dr. Reynolds has taught young bassoonists from throughout southern Michigan and at Florida State University (FSU), as well as numerous beginning bassoon camps, master classes and clinics at schools around the United States. He has taught bassoon methods classes at the collegiate level and coached several chamber ensembles at FSU.

Reynolds has been featured on National Public Radio's "From the Top," Interlochen Public Radio and can be seen in numerous videos in the University of Michigan Bassoon Studio YouTube series. He has performed with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra, toured with the Sonrisa Wind Quintet and was a member of the Interlochen Ensemble.

Now a visiting assistant professor of bassoon at Miami University (Ohio), Reynolds has D.M. from FSU and a B.M. and M.M., both from the University of Michigan.

Double Reed Day is organized by Fredonia faculty members Dr. Sarah Hamilton (oboe) and Laura Koepke (bassoon). Participants will have opportunities throughout the day to visit guest vendors exhibiting double reed instruments, double reed music and supplies available for purchase. Also available will be free double reed repairs by Brenda Small, a professional woodwind repair technician.

Double Reed Day registration ($30 until Sept. 25; $35 after Sept. 25) includes the full day of workshops, lunch on campus, and a Double Reed Day t-shirt. T-shirts are guaranteed for participants who register by Sept. 25. Complete details and online registration are available online.

Parents and teachers are welcome to attend all classes at no charge; lunch and a t-shirt are not included.