Faculty
Diane Fiocca, flute
Danna Sundet, oboe
Jeffrey Rathburn, oboe
Dennis Nygren, clarinet
David DeBolt, bassoon
Greg Banaszak, saxophone
Woodwind students in the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music study with the professor on their respective instruments and are also provided with a wide variety of performance opportunities in the many ensembles of the School of Music.
All music degree programs require applied instruction on the student’s major instrument in the form of private lessons. These weekly private lessons are individually geared to the particular needs and goals of each student. This applied instruction also includes a weekly “studio class” in which each individual studio meets as a group. Students perform a “jury” at the end of each semester for the woodwind faculty and receive written comments.
Bassoon Study at Kent
Bassoonists in the studio of Professor David DeBolt at Kent State University are all given several instructional sessions per week. This concentrated work and consequent rate of progress can result in a high level of professional competency. Those that enroll for 2 hours of credit receive one private lesson per week and those enrolled for 4 hours of credit receive two. Some lessons are devoted primarily to development of tone and technique, while others are focused upon orchestra repertoire or solo literature that will be performed for jury examinations, degree recitals (see catalog), and competitions.
All bassoonists are members of the Kent Bassoon Ensemble, which rehearses two hours per week. In this cooperative chamber group, all will have opportunity for leadership, and new members quickly learn polished ensemble playing skills as they match the more advanced colleagues and faculty bassoonist. Arranging, composing, and other contributions are welcomed to this shared creative endeavor. The success of the Kent Bassoon Ensemble has been recognized through numerous invitations to perform for the Ohio Music Education Association and the International Double Reed Society. One hour per week is devoted to studio class, where bassoonists share solo performances, other topics of interest, and make reeds together. This efficient reed making instruction with state of the art equipment results in reed independence in a short time. Bassoonists also have the opportunity to perform in the Kent State University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Concert Band, as well as mixed chamber groups. Competitive scholarship and assistantship awards are available to qualified players. The KSU bassoon studio is supplied with professional quality instruments, including Fox 201 and 240 bassoons and contrabassoon. Also, student loans have been arranged for those who want to purchase a professional instrument as part of their career preparation.
Professor DeBolt's graduates have won assistantships and fellowships at prominent music schools. While some are now successful public school music teachers or active in other fields, others have found teaching opportunities in colleges, including Temple University, DePaul University, College of Wooster, Mt. Union College, and the Eastman School of Music. Alumni performing credits include Chicago Civic Orchestra, Florida Symphony, South Carolina Philharmonic, Canton Symphony, U.S. Army Field Band and Woodwind Quintet, and theatres of Broadway, N.Y. and Playhouse Square, Cleveland. Competition awards include Carnegie Hall debut recital sponsorship, concerto winner at the Casals Festival, Fischoff grand prize in chamber music, and many Tuesday Musical Club solo competition awards
