WWU Bassoon Studio presents Bassoon Day with featured artist, Mona Butler

The WWU Bassoon studio is excited to present "Bassoon Day" on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The day will begin with a masterclass presented by Seattle bassoonist, Mona Butler from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where she will share her expert knowledge of the Norman Herzberg method of playing the bassoon in addition to working with selected masterclass soloists. The afternoon session will allow participants to play in bassoon ensembles of all levels from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

A short, informal concert of favorite works from the reading sessions will follow at 4 p.m.

Bellingham Windworks will also be present with a myriad of bassoon tools, and music for people peruse.

This Day of Bassoon is free and offered to bassoonists of any age, but we do ask that you register in advance so we can prepare ensemble music.

For more information, please contact: Pat Nelson, WWU Bassoon Instructor: nelso245@wwu.edu; 360-303-4014

Mona's Bio

Mona S. Butler is a founding member of both Pacific Northwest Ballet and Auburn Symphony Orchestras where she holds dual positions of Principal Bassoon and Music Librarian. Born in Washington DC, Mona has lived and performed in Decorah, Iowa; Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois and Tel Aviv, Israel where she played bassoon for the Israel Philharmonic, Israel Chamber and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestras. Mona earned bassoon performance degrees from University of Southern California (B.M.) studying with Norman Herzberg and Northwestern University (M.M.) studying with Willard Elliot. She then settled in Seattle where she raised her family and performed with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Auburn Symphony, Northwest Chamber, Seattle Opera and Seattle Symphony Orchestras. As bassoonist with the renown Northwoods Wind Quintet she has entertained and enlightened young audiences throughout the state for the Washington State Cultural Enrichment Program.