865: Remembering Inez Wyrick

Inez Wyrick, one of our young bassist pedagogy pioneers, passed away at the end of 2021.  In this episode, we rebroadcast our interview with her from 2016 and reflect on her impact on countless bassists across the globe.

About Inez (from Tribute Archive):

She began performing music in the 8th grade with her father, and taught music, and served as a psychic consultant for the entirety of her adult life, never fully retiring. She served on the Board of Directors for the International Society of Bassists who awarded her the “Young Bass Ambassador” award in 2001, and which, starting in 2022, is named the Under 14 Solo Prize the “Inez Wyrick Prize,” in her honor. 

She was also Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Bass Coalition Summer Workshop. In addition to teaching music privately, she also served on the faculties of Shenandoah Conservatory, Indiana University’s String Academy, Amarillo College, Odessa College, and Texas Tech University’s Orchestra Camp. She founded the Amarillo Bass Base, the first organization of its kind for young bassists, and members of her family of students over the years teach and hold professional positions in ensembles, music businesses, and educational institutions worldwide. 

An active lecturer, clinician, and adjudicator, Inez appeared regularly at the Richard Davis Bass Conference, Golden Gate Bass Camp, and International Society of Bassists conventions. She has had over 500 arrangements/compositions published for Double Bass Ensemble.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either the ISB or Bass Coalition:

• ISB Young Bassists Educational Program
• Bass Coalition Summer Workshop

 

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