Album Notes

SYMBIOSISDUO formed in 2007 to increase awareness of the tuba/euphonium duo as a performance medium and to promote and disseminate new works for this unique combination of instruments. The duo chose the name “SYMBIOSISDUO” from the concert duet written for them by composer, Chris Sharp. In the program notes for the work he writes: “Symbiosis is defined as, ‘A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence’ . . . The technical and range-requirements for each solo instrument are comparable, suggesting a ‘separate but equal’ relationship.” This is an innovative and challenging approach to duet writing for tuba and euphonium producing “the symbiosis effect” as the tuba is not relegated to an accompanying role, but is equal in all aspects of music with the other voice in the duo, the euphonium. All of the works on this compact disc were composed, arranged or transcribed especially for SYMBIOSISDUO, with the exception of Three Florida Orchids, which was written for and premiered by Gail Robertson and Jay Hunsberger. For more information about SYMBIOSISDUO, visit us at our website: symbiosisduo.com

Stacy Baker is Professor of Music - Tuba/Euphonium at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. Originally from Harsen’s Island, MI, she received her M.M. and B.M. degrees from the University of Michigan. She holds a D.M.A. from the University of Illinois. Dr. Baker has toured and recorded throughout the United States and Europe as a founding member of the tuba/euphonium quartet JUNCTION, and with the Lexington Brass Band and Monarch Brass Ensemble. She is a member of the Athena Brass Band and the Horizon Brass Quintet. Dr. Baker serves on the International Women’s Brass Conference Board of Directors. Her teachers include Jeff Funderburk, Wes Jacobs, Tommy Johnson, Fritz Kaenzig, and Mark Moore.

Gail Robertson is Instructor of Euphonium and Tuba at The University of Central Florida. Originally from Pompano Beach, FL, she received her B.M. degree from the University of Central Florida and her M.M. degree with Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University. Ms. Robertson was a founding member/leader/chief arranger of Walt Disney World’s “Tubafours” tuba/euphonium quartet. She has toured and recorded in the U.S. and internationally with Keith Brion’s “New Sousa Band,” the Brass Band of Battle Creek, SYMPHONIA, Euphoniums Unlimited, and Monarch Brass. She is President of the International Women’s Brass Conference. Ms. Robertson is a York Brass International Euphonium Artist performing on a York Eminence YO-EU4052 with a Warburton/Gail Robertson mouthpiece.

Alex Thio is a collaborative pianist based in Cincinnati, OH. A native of Singapore, Mr. Thio received his B.S. degree from Grace College. He earned his M.M. degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and continues to pursue his D.M.A. degree at the conservatory. He serves as choral accompanist to the Sycamore Junior High and High School choirs in Blue Ash, OH, and is a private piano instructor offering piano and music theory instruction to students of all ages and performance levels.

Deborah Eastwood is Instructor of Music at Morehead State University, Morehead, KY. Originally from Wytheville, VA, she earned her B.M. degree from James Madison University, M.M. degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music-John Hopkins University, and D.M.A. degree from the University of Illinois. Dr. Eastwood has toured and recorded as a member of the Athena Brass Band, the Lexington Brass Band, and the Horizon Brass Quintet.