Four CSU double bass students took the international stage in their own backyard as they performed for the International Society of Bassists Conference, held at the University Center for the Arts, June 1-6. The convention drew over 1,200 bassists from around the world, and was a tremendous opportunity to attend concerts and clinics with world-renowned players and teachers.
The Laplace Quartet is made up of a dynamic group of music students from Colorado State University’s double bass studio, where they study with Dr. Forest Greenough. The quartet’s name is inspired by the “Laplace transform,” which is an integral transform in mathematics that transforms a function of time into a function of complex frequency.
Their equally unique program features Erich Hartmann’s work for bass quartet, and a world premiere of Color Swatches, a piece by quartet member, Zachary Bush.
A performance slot at the prestigious ISB conference is an honor for any ensemble. “A performance at the ISB convention will showcase the great work being done by CSU’s bass students for an international audience, and is a fantastic opportunity,” said Greenough.
The premiere of Bush’s piece went over especially well. Looking around the hall during the performance, which elevated the bass as a percussive instrument and explored unique string vibrations and syncopations, the audience was very engaged and actively leaning in. Similarly, the expressive quartet obviously relished the moment, and exuded so much joy throughout the performance.
“I was so pleased with how the piece turned out, plus they just played it so well,” said Greenough after the event.
The quartet is comprised of multi-disciplinary students: Erik Deines is a senior double major in double bass performance and physics; Drew Miller is a senior double major in double bass performance and electrical engineering with a minor in mathematics; Zachary Bush is a senior triple major in double bass performance, composition, and education; and Daniel Probasco is a freshman mechanical engineering major with a music minor. In addition to school duties, the members of the quartet are all busy music professionals: Deines is a section member of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra; Miller is an in-demand pop/rock and jazz bassist; Bush is a section member of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra; and Probasco is a bassist with the Fort Collins Wind Symphony.