About the Glickman-Popkin Bassoon Camp
The Glickman-Popkin Bassoon Camp is a ten-day summer camp for bassoonists of late high school or college age and above and all skill levels held at Wildacres Retreat in Little Switzerland, NC. Established in 1978 by Loren Glickman and Mark Popkin, the camp provides an opportunity for players to learn new methods and techniques for old excerpts and solos. With daily master classes given by Mark, Loren and the guest artists, as well as daily reed making classes and recital hours, this camp provides a unique experience for all levels of bassoonists.
The environment in which the master classes are held is very relaxed, with no fixed order or selection of performers. In fact, anyone and everyone who wishes to play in a master class is given an opportunity to do so. Master class topics range from standard orchestral excerpts to major excerpts from the the world of ballet, opera and chamber music, as well as the main solo repertoire of the bassoon. Nancy Johnston of the North Carolina School of the Arts is the remarkable accompanist on hand, and she has experience with all of the major repertoire of the bassoon. Opportunities also abound for impromptu ensemble playing, and it is very common for players who have never met before camp to strike up a trio for fun. Eddie Cabrerra leads our Bassoon Band, which plays transcriptions of major repertoire for an ensemble of up to 60 bassoons. The Bassoon Band gives a performance on the final recital hour of the week, and it is always a fun time.
Another great feature of this camp is the inclusion of the repair services of Jim Laslie and Paul Nordby. Considered the best in the field of specialized bassoon repairs, these two gentlemen provide an endless amount of work and time to the maintenance of campers' instruments. Jim and Paul have decades of professional performance and repair experience, and can make any type of repair or upgrade to your bassoon.
Maria Spuller is a former camper, and now works in the Chinese Healing Arts. She has a private practice in North Carolina (LmBT#4) where she specializes in treating clients with autoimmune problems and tendonitis (RMS). She has been a Certified Practitioner within the AOBTA since 1993 and has recently been granted the title of Registered Instructor. Maria has achieved Diplomate of ABT status from the NCCAOM, the highest level of certification in Asian Bodywork Therapy. She will be available for a nominal fee to do bodywork for campers.
Lastly, sheet music, CDs and supplies are provided by T.D. Ellis of The Music Source and Justin Miller of Miller Marketing. They bring a wide assortment of solo and ensemble music, as well as all of the bassoon and reed supplies a bassoonist needs. Should you need to order music and/or supplies in advance, please contact T.D. Ellis of The Music Source at 1345 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, CT, 06870, (203) 698-0444; info@themusicsource.org or visit the store at www.themusicsource.org or Justin at Miller Marketing Co., Inc. P.O. Box 822, Wayne, PA 19087; call him at 610-278-5017 or 800-323-3216, email him at miller445@aol.com; or visit the store at www.millermarketingco.com.
The first day's schedule will begin with dinner at 6:00 P.M. in the dining hall and Loren's first Master Class will start at 7:30 P.M. His lecture will be preceded by introductory remarks either by Philip Blumenthal, Director of the Blumenthal Foundation which maintains this magnificent facility, or by Mike House, the Resident Manager of the Wildacres Retreat. The class will be followed by our customary opening reception in the snack bar area. We will also have a closing party after the last evening lecture. Bassoon camp will end following breakfast the next day.
We will have a day off mid-session, to facilitate sightseeing, rest and relaxation. Box lunches will be provided in addition to our usual breakfast and dinner service. The evening lecture will feature Jim Laslie and Paul Nordby, which should provide you with more information than you would ever want to know concerning bassoon maintenance and construction.
GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE (Subject to change depending on guest artists' availability.)
Wake-up bell - 7:15 A.M. (Sometimes hard to hear; you might want to bring an alarm clock.)
Breakfast - 8:00 A.M. Dining Hall.
Reed Class - 8:45 to 9:45 A.M. with Mark Popkin. South Lodge Meeting Room.
Morning Class - 10:00 to 12:00 P.M. North Lodge Meeting Room.
Lunch -12:15 P.M. Dining Hall
Bassoon Basics Class - 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. North Lodge Meeting Room.
Afternoon Class - 2:15 to 4:15 P.M. This class will take place only if guest artists' schedules requre it. North Lodge.
Daily recital - 4:30 to 5:30 P.M. A sign-up sheet at the registration area will be available for those desiring to rehearse with Nancy. Be sure to bring your solo and bassoon ensemble music. Auditorium.
Dinner - 6:00 P.M. Dining Hall.
Evening class - 7:30 to 9:30 P.M. North Lodge Meeting Room. The snack bar will be open for a coffee break during the morning class and after evening class, for those desiring extra sustenance or personal items. South Lodge.
WHAT TO BRING
Climate is quite temperate this time of year with a temperature range of about 50 to 75 degrees F. Dress is strictly casual with jeans, summer shirts, a light jacket and, of course, our complimentary camp T-shirt. Hiking shoes, bathing attire, tennis rackets can be put to full use in nearby facilities. There are many fascinating tours recommended, including Penland (nationally famous crafts school), Biltmore House in Asheville, emerald mines, and local craftspeople galore. You might also want to bring a luxurious heavy bath towel. While beverages of all types are available off the mountain you might wish to bring your favorites. Bring your reed making tools and music stand.
Loren and Mark wish you a safe and pleasant trip and look forward to seeing you atop their mountain!
