"Hi bassplayers around the world!

I couldn't believe to be the 100 000th visitor of this fantastic site! Since a couple of years, I search for interesting articles, movies, T-shirts,.. about the double bass (in short all that has to do with the bass) on the internet daily,  and I must say, this site is one of my greatest discoveries ever!"

Especially the library of  student recordings... it's my favourite topic.  It's not only a good experience for the students themselfses, but most of all, bassists from all over the world can enjoy and learn from them. (At least, I learned at lot watching these recordings. For example, when I was preparing for my audition for the European Youth Orchestra this year, I watched 5 different versions of the Koussevitzky Concerto over and over again. That way, I could see and try different fingerings, bowings,.. and form musicality. And it worked! I got selected for next spring tour 2007, so I'm very grateful to you all!)

In case you would ask " Who 's that lucky bastard?", I'll write something about me: (if not skip the folowing paragraph)

I'm 19 years old and live in Belgium. I started to play violin at 5 and at 12,  I became more wise and began playing the double bass too.  At this moment I study the double bass in Antwerpen ( Bachelor 2) with Lode Leire. As I said, I'm very interested in all that has to do with the double bass and mostly when it comes to the solo-aspect of double bass playing.

For this reason, I'm very glad when I see sites like these, contributing to the emancipation of our beloved instrument.  I think Micael Wolf's work is great publicity for the double bass that will be remembered a long time and that'll influence a whole generation of bassplayers.

And Michael,  I may be the first, but I'm sure you'll have to invite dozens of  2 -3-  4 -...00 000th visitor-winners in the near future!

Thanks a lot for this great opportunity!

See Wies performing at www.youtube.com/watch?v=u16a_w0BTTc

Visitor Number 100,001
Matteo Burci (Italy)

"I'm Matteo Burci, I come from Italy. I actually study double bass in Nuernberg with Prof. Dorin Marc.

Last year, unfortunately, I wasn't able to come to Berlin with my class... what a shame! But I heard it was great... So I tried to have another possibiliy to meet you and your class...

Anyway, I met Zsuzsa and Eran in Baden Baden this year, so I sent them a big "CIAO!!" and hope to see them soon... maybe in Berlin....

...don't know, but may be playing doublebass is something like a serious disease. Visiting this site I have always felt better: I'm not the only one, at least! Thank you, Maestro, for the great support you give every bass-surfer!!"

More information and contact at www.burci.it 

Visitor Number 100,002
Florian Perzborn (Porto, Portugal)

Florian is the co-principal bass with National State Symphony Orchestra in Porto, Portugal, professor of doublebass and Head of Strings at the Superior School of Music - Polytechnic Institute in Porto - Portugal.

German native, he graduated from the Hochschule für Musik of Würzburg with Michinori Bunya and concluded his post-graduation with Ichiro Noda. Florian obtained his Masters degree at the University of Sheffield and is a PHD candidate at the University of Porto and the University of London.

Visitor Number 100,003
Emmi Penttinen (Finland)

"I am 26 years old and study musical education with piano as my main instrument. The reason that I found your web page is my double bassist boyfriend Juha who is playing this year as your student. it is great that you have a web page where I also can listen to his playing!

I´m about to finish my studies this spring and afterwards I will find out what to do... My recent job as a piano teacher is fun, but I don´t see it as my final job.

I heard that you have your birthday today, so happy birthday and congratulations for your interesting web pages as well!"

Visitor Number 100,004
Jacky Wu (Toranto, Canada)

"I am currently a grade 12 (high school) double bass student student studying at North Toronto Collegiate Institute. I am involved in many youth orchestras across Toronto (approximately 3 orchestras).

I visit the site often to check out new student recordings, especially the videos where I can see interpretations of different pieces. At the moment, I am working on several new additions to my repertoire, including Koussevitzky's bass concerto, Henry Eccles's Sonata and etudes by Franz Simandl.

Greetings to all my fellow musicians at our school orchestra, "North Toronto Symphony Orchestra", and to all the great composers and musicians from the past to the present.

Thanks for the great job in maintaing this website and promoting the art of double bass repertoires!

Visitor Number 100,005
Drew Serres (Oregon, USA)

"I’m currently taking classes at Willamette University where I also play bass with the orchestra. I also play with a few other local groups when every they are in need of a bass player. I’m currently studying with Tyler Abbot who has really helped improve my playing this past year. I’m not sure yet what I’ll major in, but I’m leaning towards music education.

Whatever I chose I’ll always have my bass!I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your website, it's one of the best bass sites I've seen! It's great to be able to see some excellent players at any time."