TOBIASMEIS

PDFS: Musical History for Tobias & Bio for Tobias

I have been studying double bass since I was tall enough to pick one up. Growing up in Ottawa I played in the National Capital Music Academy program, starting at age eight in string ensembles and progressing on through the program to become the principal bassist of the Ottawa Youth Orchestra. I was also the principal bassist at the Canterbury Arts High School and began learning jazz there in the Canterbury Jazz Band and Stage Band. I was the bassist for the Nepean All City Jazz Band for two years.

I am finishing up a Bachelor of Music Performance at the University of Calgary, where I have had the opportunity to study with the principal bass of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Charles Garrett. I have also studied with notable Canadian bass players John Geggie and Michelle Donato. While studying at the U of C I have been a part of the Red Band (U of C big band), University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and World Ensemble.

Professionally I have performed with the Okanagan Symphony, the Symphony of the Kootenays, the Lethbridge Symphony, and the RedDeer Symphony. I have been broadcast on CJSW and CBC radio. In Calgary I have played regularly as the bassist in the Jonny Bose Jazz Quartet. I am continually amazed at the variety of music that a bass player can be part of, and continue to perform in bands and ensembles playing bluegrass, blues, jazz, latin, classical, celtic and world music in Alberta and BC.