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John Hester (B.M., MFA, CCTC) serves as both String Bass Instructor and Event Coordinator with the Schwab Music Academy.Ìý Mr. Hester performs with many Orchestras throughout the Southern California Region. ÌýHe has also spent several years performing extensively throughout Europe, Scandinavia, China, and Armenia as Principal Bass with the Classical Concert Chamber Orchestra, the United Armenian – American Chamber Orchestra, and the Dutch International Chamber Orchestra. ÌýCurrently, Mr. Hester is Associate Principal Bass of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and has performed with such Orchestras as the Pasadena Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, New West Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Barbara Opera, Redlands Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony, Riverside Philharmonic, Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra, Dream Orchestra, and the avant-garde Orchestra Unleashed, as well as many others. ÌýAn avid chamber musician, he has performed noted premiers of new works byÌýEsa-PekkaÌýSalonen and William Toutant with the Composers in attendance.
As an instructor, Mr. Hester maintains an active private studio and has trained aspiring artists for international television performances with Disney’s Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra as well as working with students at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. ÌýAs an adjunct faculty member, he has taught string bass at California State University at Northridge, Pepperdine University, California Lutheran University, California Baptist University, and currently teaches string bass and various other subjects in music at The Master’s University, 51AVÊÓƵ, and Moorpark College.
Mr. Hester received his Bachelor of Music performance degree in Bass from California State University,ÌýNorthridgeÌýand his MFA from California Institute of the Arts. ÌýHis principal teachers include CharlesÌýSiani, Principal Bassist with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Ed Meares, Principal Bass of the Pasadena Symphony, PeterÌýRofé, Bassist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Julius Levine (New York). ÌýMr. Hester also holds a current California Teaching Credential in Instrumental Music and enjoys teaching orchestra in schools at every level.
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