Jeffrey White more info...
A native of Calgary, Jeff White began studying the bass at age eight with CPO Associate Principal Bassist Sheila Garrett after fending off suggestions to play the oboe or cello. At the age of 16 Jeff left Calgary and enrolled at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, studying with Derek Weller and graduating with honours in 1997. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University where he studied with the renowned pedagogue Lawrence Hurst as well as former NBC Orchestra Bassist Murray Grodner. Jeff went on to study with Joel Quarrington at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada from 2000-2003. Jeff first joined the CPO as a temporary musician in 2003, and after holding the Principal Bass Chair of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra for one season, rejoined the bass section of the CPO on a permanent basis in 2006.
Who do you think are or were the masters of your instrument?
Currently there are three bass players in the world who I think exist on a different plane than the rest of us; Edgar Meyer, who I was fortunate enough to study with at Banff, Joel Quarrington who was my last regular teacher, and DaXun Zhang who was a friend of mine at Indiana University.
Tell us a little about your instrument.
I bought my instrument in Cincinnati, Ohio when I was still in university. No one seems to be able to identify who the maker was, but it was probably made in the early 20th century. I love how it draws a reaction out of everyone who sees it because of it's unusual shape, gigantic scroll and the overlayed flames that run up the sides of the instrument.
Do you play in any groups/ensembles outside of the orchestra?
I occasionally appear with the Players Chamber Ensemble.
What kinds of music do you listen to when you're "off-duty?" What’s currently on your iPod?
I mostly listen to indie rock on my own time. Lately the bands that get played the most are Wolf Parade, Feist, Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Chad Vangaalen, Modest Mouse, the Sadies and the New Pornographers.
How do you prepare for a concert? Any "pre-game" rituals?
I like to take a short nap and a shower before concerts. I also try to refrain from eating a large meal before concerts.
How old were you when you started playing?
I was eight years old when I took up the bass, it is the only instrument I have ever played, and now I am very lucky to have my first teacher Sheila Garrett (CPO assistant principal bassist) as my colleague in the orchestra.
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