I'm Elizabeth Crawford: wife, mother, U.S. Army Veteran and musician. I am the full-time, Bassoon Professor for BYU-Idaho teaching bassoon, Music Technology, Chamber Music, and Scoring & Arranging, and Humanities (September 2016). I was (2012- 2016) the principal bassoonist of the Great Falls Symphony, Billings Symphony, Chinook Winds Quintet, and adjunct Professor of Bassoon for the University of Montana. Before that a freelance bassoonist in Salt Lake City (2009-2012) and a U.S. Army Band musician (2002-2009). I trained at: Interlochen Arts Academy, Manhattan School of Music and the University of Utah. My major teachers: Ken Moses, Charles Bailey, Barrick Stees, Whitney Crocket, and Lori Wike.
You may be wondering how a conservatory trained bassoonist landed in the Wild West! Let me break it down for you: salaried position. My contract with the Great Falls Symphony was amazing! I went into work every day and played with a fantastic wind quintet and regional orchestra. Moving to my position with BYU-Idaho was heavily influenced by my desire to be close to family. I have a sister who lives 27 minutes from our home in Rexburg, Idaho in addition to my parents. I have been truly blessed to able to make my living as a musician and now to be able to continue that near family - the best of all possible situations!
In addition to my crazy life as a Wild West Bassoonist, I also have the sweetest most supportive husband a woman could ask for. We have one 16 y.o. son - a champion distance runner - and two crazy Labradoodles. I find myself pulled in many directions: teacher, performer, mom, wife. I make it all happen because of wonderful colleagues, a supportive family life, and the focused, disciplined training musicians learn from an early age.
Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
I had a friend years ago who played bassoon. She made her reeds in her room. It involved a blow torch. Yes. She later got a degree from Cleveland.
ReplyDeleteDo you by chance remember a Joyce and Jack Barton? They were friends of your parents in Germany and are looking to get in touch.
Just so you know, My name is Becky Chapman. I grew up in Idaho Falls and am a friend of Rebecca Parkinson, who teaches organ there, in case you need a reference.
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ReplyDeleteBTW I now live here in Rexburg. I love your blog! Fun fact - I studied the violin with LaMar Barrus. Another fun fact - My kids are grown now, but I homeschooled them for 20 years.
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