Tracey Tokuhama Espinosa: A Musical Journey of the Solo Bassoonist

The Solo Bassoonist

by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8615 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	37 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Tracey Tokuhama Espinosa, Principal Bassoon of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Tracey Tokuhama Espinosa is an American bassoonist and recording artist. She is currently the Principal Bassoon of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 2004. She is also a member of the Aspen Music Festival and School Festival Orchestra and the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra. Espinosa has performed as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival and School Festival Orchestra, the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra, the Pacific Symphony, and the Honolulu Symphony.

Espinosa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and began playing the bassoon at the age of 12. She studied at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, and has won numerous awards, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Concert Artists Guild Career Grant. Espinosa is a passionate advocate for the bassoon and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. She is also a member of the International Double Reed Society and the American Federation of Musicians.

Early Life and Education

Espinosa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on September 20, 1966. She began playing the piano at the age of 5 and the bassoon at the age of 12. She attended the Punahou School in Honolulu, where she studied with bassoonist John Ellis. Espinosa went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied with bassoonist Judith LeClair. She graduated from Juilliard in 1988 with a Bachelor of Music degree.

After graduating from Juilliard, Espinosa continued her studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied with bassoonist Daniel Matsukawa. She graduated from Curtis in 1990 with a Master of Music degree.

Career

Espinosa began her professional career as a bassoonist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra in 1990. She joined the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as Principal Bassoon in 2004. Espinosa has also performed as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival and School Festival Orchestra, the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra, the Pacific Symphony, and the Honolulu Symphony.

In addition to her orchestral career, Espinosa is also a passionate advocate for the bassoon. She has given masterclasses and workshops around the world, and is a member of the International Double Reed Society and the American Federation of Musicians.

Awards and Recognition

Espinosa has won numerous awards for her musical achievements, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Concert Artists Guild Career Grant. She has also been featured in several publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe.

Personal Life

Espinosa is married to percussionist Edward Stephan. They have two children, a daughter named Maya and a son named Ethan.

Tracey Tokuhama Espinosa with her husband, Edward Stephan, and her children, Maya and Ethan

Legacy

Espinosa is a remarkable bassoonist who has made significant contributions to the music world. She is a passionate advocate for the bassoon and has inspired countless young musicians to pursue their musical dreams. Espinosa is a role model for all musicians, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

The Solo Bassoonist

by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8615 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	37 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE