SRU to host ‘Roger Bobo Festival of Brass’ summer

May 31, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - His work can be heard on the soundtracks of some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters including: "Star Wars, Episode IV: Return of the Jedi," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

He is a tuba virtuoso, offered what is believed to be the first-ever tuba solo at Carnegie Hall and has logged time as the principle tubist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Now, Roger Bobo will bring his talents as a teacher and conductor to Slippery Rock University for his "Roger Bobo Festival of Brass" summer camp June 12-16.

The camp, open to high school, college and professional brass musicians, will provide attendees the chance to learn from and work with Bobo through master classes, recitals and lectures. The week will conclude with a concert at 3 p.m., June 16, in Swope Music Hall. Admission is $3 for students, $5 for adults.

Jonathan Helmick, SRU assistant professor of music and director of bands, and Travis Scott, a doctor of music education candidate at Michigan State University, will serve as camp coordinators.

Campers, who range in age from 14-70, and hail from as far away as Spain, will take part in the event.

"I'm very excited about our being able to host this camp," said Helmick. "This is a fantastic opportunity for our program to reach out to the community and link them with amazing performers, teachers and conductors."

Helmick added that the camp will provide attendees with instruction in a variety of genres, including classical and jazz.

Bobo retired from active performing in 2001 to devote his time to conducting and teaching. He has been a guest conductor with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles in North America, Europe and Asia.

Now residing in Tokyo, Japan, he teaches at the Musashino Academy of Music. He previously served on the faculty at the Fiesole School of Music near Florence, Italy; the Lausanne Conservatory in Switzerland; the Rotterdams Conservatorium in the Netherlands; and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England.

"(Roger) is a game changer in the field of brass music," said Helmick. "He helped transform tuba from being a backup to being a mainstream, soloing instrument."

For additional information, contact: Helmick at 724.738.2436 or jonathan.helmick@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu