莫妮卡埃利斯

大学教师: 古典巴松管; Contemporary Performance Program: Bassoon; 室内乐

Bassoonist 莫妮卡埃利斯 is a founding member of the Grammy nominated wind quintet, Imani风, who in their 23rd season, 继续 to make ground-breaking art while maintaining a vigorous international touring schedule.

Monica’s strong work ethic was instilled very early on from her mother 和 father, the late jazz saxophonist, 克拉伦斯•奥登. As the administrative director & tour manager for Imani风, 和 Co-Artistic Director for the Imani风 室内乐 Festival, she maintains a fulfilling leadership role within group.

A self-proclaimed “b和 kid”, growing up in her beloved city of Pittsburgh, Monica played clarinet, saxophone 和 piano. After being introduced to the bassoon in middle school, she realized her potential by studying with Mark Pancerev, of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Ms. Ellis went on to receive her Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, studying with George Sakakeeny. 在奥柏林的时候, her desire to connect with others flourished through her participation in the Panama Project – a month long camp for young Panamanian students. She received her Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School 和 Professional Studies Certificate from Manhattan School of Music in the Orchestral Performance Program, studying with Frank Morelli at both institutions.

Imani风 formed in 1997, when Monica along with the four other original members, realized that such a group could fill a significant void in the chamber music world. Imani风 performs relevant 和 culturally significant music from last 100 years 和 the next 100 years 和 are role models to all, but especially to the community of African-American classical wind players.

Recording credits include 7 albums with Imani风 (Koch International Classics, EOne 和 EMI Classics). Monica can also be heard on the following: Edward Simon – Sorrows 和 Triumphs, Chick Corea – The Continents, Wayne Shorter Quartet – Without a Net, Mohammed Fairouz – Native Informant, Jeff Scott – Urban Classical Music Project, Brubeck Brothers Quartet – Classified, Steve Coleman – Ascension to Light 和 Perspectives Ensemble – Montsalvatge Mardrigal.

For over 20 years, Ms. Ellis has enjoyed an active freelance career. She has performed with diverse organizations such as the 室内乐 Society of Lincoln Center, 绝对系综, Bard Music Festival, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Perspectives Ensemble, 和 Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, 仅举几个例子. She has also soloed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

A passionate teacher, Ms. Ellis has been a visiting professor or on faculty at The University of Chicago, The Hartt School (CT), 购买(纽约) & Brooklyn College Conservatories of Music, Mannes School of Music 和 The Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program. 也, a renowned clinician, she has given master classes 和 solo recital performances across the country.

She serves on the advisory boards for Orchestra of St. Luke’s Education Committee 和 the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition & Symposium for Women Bassoonists of the Americas, as well as on the Board of Concert Artists Guild (CAG).

Monica religiously watches Jeopardy!, loves home decorating 和 resides in the historic village of Harlem in New York City with the greatest joy of her life – her 6 year old son, 奥登.