Monica Ellis, bassoon/contrabassoon, is a native of Pittsburgh and began her musical studies at the age of 4 with her father, who was a jazz saxophonist. The New York Concert Review states, “Truly it was the excellent Monica Ellis providing deceptively graceful agility whose musical feet were as strong roots to the tree.” Ms. Ellis is active in the New York freelance community and has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Windscape, New Haven Orchestra, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre Orchestra, Spoleto-Italy Festival, and Tanglewood Music Center, just to name a few.Ms. Ellis received her Bachelor of Music Degree from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music studying with George Sakakeeny. While there she was twice a member of the Panama Project, a program that allows students to go to Panama to teach young people and perform across the country. She received her Master of Music Degree from The Juilliard School and toured Japan and South Korea with the Juilliard Orchestra. She also attended Manhattan School of Music in the Professional Studies, Orchestral Performance Program, studying with Frank Morelli at both institutions.
She is currently on the faculty of Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division, Brooklyn College School of Music, and Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program, a Saturday music school for talented African-American and Latino children.
Musica Bella concerts: October 21, 2007