Prizes Awarded at International Society of Bassists Competition

The competition was held this month at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

The International Society of Bassists' recently held its biennial double bass competition with Andrew Kohn, professor of double bass and music theory at West Virginia University, serving as chair of this year's competition.

The competition's divisions included Solo, Jazz, and Orchestra, with competitors ages 19 to 30.

In the Solo Division, the Gary Karr Prize of $5,000, given by Peter & Chris Gallagher, was won by Jacob Warren of South Lyon, Michigan. The prize also includes an expenses-paid recital at the 2025 ISB convention.

Warren earned his bachelor's degree in music performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, where he studied with Diana Gannett. He also holds both a Master of Music in Improvisation and a Master of Music in Chamber Music from the University of Michigan. Jacob won third prize in the International Society of Bassists solo competition in both 2019 and 2021. His background and interests lie in a wide ranging variety of acoustic styles, including classical, jazz, bluegrass, and Swedish fiddle.

The jury for this division included Diana Gannett, Division Chair, USA; Nina Bernat, USA; Nina DeCesare, USA; Anna Jensen, USA; Sam Suggs, USA; and Yung-chiao Wei, Taiwan/USA.

Second prize of $1,000, given by the ISB, was won by Will Duerden of London, England, who is pursuing a freelance career after graduating from the Yehudi Menuhin School, where he studied with Caroline Emery. Will also won the $500 prize for Best Performance of the required piece, "Basso" by Errollyn Wallen, given by Madeleine Crouch & Co., Inc.

Co-third prize winners of $750 were Alexander Heather of Wells, England and Nathan Perry of Sunbury-on-Thames, England. Alexander and Nathan are both students of Caroline Emery at the Royal College of Music in London.

First prize in the Jazz Division, otherwise known as the Scott LaFaro Prize of $5,000, went to Jared Beckstead-Craan. The prize also includes an expenses-paid concert at the 2025 ISB convention and a Realist pickup given by Finlay & Gage Musical Instruments.

First prize in the Orchestra Division was won by Davis Pierson of Plano, Texas. Davis will receive an expenses-paid week with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Three divisions for younger bassists were also presented: Youth Solo (age 15 to 18); Youth Jazz (age 15-18); and Age 14 and Under. For a full list of winners in the junior categories, click here.