“ I know Jeff as a highly competent, knowlegable and passionate orchestra player with a comprehensive orchestral experience. His understanding of style, timing and sound quality have been essential to the bass group in the time we were colleagues. He also posseses the impressive ability to share that knowledge and experience with the next generation, as I have seen his students join the orchestra through the years.”
Yana Deshkova - Concertmaster, Aalborg Symphony Orchestra
Jeff White joined the Vancouver music community in the summer of 2024 after 12 years abroad, working in Denmark and Sweden as the Associate Principal Bass of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra and as a temporary member of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. He also performed frequently with orchestras throughout Scandinavia, including the Copenhagen Philharmonic, the Aarhus Symphony, The Kristiansand Symphony and Trondheim Symphony Orchestras. Prior to his European adventure Jeff was a member of the Calgary Philharmonic, serving on their board of directors and chairing the musician's committee. He also served as Principal Bass of the Saskatoon Symphony for their 75th season. Jeff has given masterclasses in Denmark and at Mount Royal University Conservatory of Music. In 2010 he was an Artist in Residence at the University of Regina Conservatory of Music . He has served as the bass instructor for Orkester Norden, the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Symphony Youth Orchestra, and as an adjudicator for the Aalborg Kulturskole.
Since returning to his native Canada Jeff finds himself frequently on stage or in the orchestra pit with the Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Opera, Vancouver Island Symphony, Okanagan Symphony, Turning Point Ensemble, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and with his old friends in the Calgary Philharmonic. He currently sits on the board of directors of the Vancouver Musicians Association. Notably, Jeff was co-creator of BASS-MAS! A Seasonal Celebration of the Double Bass, with his colleagues Meaghan Williams, Mark Beaty and Malcolm Armstrong. An event which sold out its inaugural performance.
Jeff holds a bachelor degree from Indiana University where he studied with Lawrence Hurst and Murray Grodner, and an Artist Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music where he studied with Joel Quarrington. Jeff was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada from 2000-2003 and is a proud alumnus of both the Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy. He lives and teaches in East Vancouver where he enjoys exploring and eating his way through his adopted home with his 10 year old daughter.
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"I've known Jeff since our time together as students in Canada's National Youth Orchestra where his talent and leadership were immediately apparent. His enthusiasm and warmth immediately bonded our young bass group into a cohesive unit of lifelong friends. He has continued to bring curiosity and open-mindedness to all facets of his long, globe-trotting career. Wherever you find Jeff, you will find a person of passion, caring, and the tireless pursuit of improvement. His infectious generosity and spirit make him a true asset to the double bass community."
Jordan Scapinello - Award winning bowmaker and double bass player - Malmö Symphony Orchestra
Instruments & Gear
I am very fortunate to play on two wonderful instruments with matching bows. My primary instrument is was made by William Gilkes of Westminster, London in 1853. It was offered to me in 2021 by a former colleague from the Calgary Philharmonic, who purchased it from his renowned teacher, Stuart Knussen, former principal bass of the London Symphony Orchestra. It can be seen being played by Stuart Knussen in the documentary LSO: The Music Men . The bass was masterfully restored by British luthier Martin Penning, who is the maker of my other instrument, a wonderful modern instrument modeled after a famous Dominico Montagnana double bass.
I use two German-style bows, one made by Jordan Scapinello, a VSA gold medal winner and fine bass player from the Malmö Symphony Orchestra who has been a close friend for over 25 years. I also use a purpleheart bow made by Patrick Staples, who happens to be my replacement in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
I feel very comfortable offering guidance and advice to students or any individual seeking a new instrument or bow, as I have gone through the experience of commissioning bespoke bows and instruments, major and minor restorations and repairs, as well as the process of buying and selling basses at every stage of my career.
"Jeff has been an invaluable help in acquiring the right double bass for my daughter as she progressed beyond beginner level. We found the perfect bass. We have definitely not regretted that purchase." - Parent of student.
