Curator Note
The bassoon is best known as the clown of the orchestra who plays a supportive but, faithful role in the winds section. This program will invite you to explore the versatility of bassoon dance music beyond the traditional concert hall. Growing up in the city of Chicago, my earliest memories of music were filled with a variety of dance music styles that were found all around my neighborhood. From Latin American to the French Romantic music, you will embark on a musical journey that might convince you to dance along and learn more about the quirkiest instrument of the orchestra.
Brenda Herrera (she/her) is a Mexican-American bassoonist and educator originally from the Southside of Chicago. Her passion for performing and teaching started in her early studies through a community engagement program at the Merit School of Music, located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. When she first heard the bassoon, she was attending a free concert of an all-female woodwind quintet at Rachel Carson Elementary School. Since then, she has dedicated her craft to rediscovering and commission works by underrepresented women composers in the bassoon repertoire.
As an educator, she has taught general and instrumental music at several public school districts such as Chicago, Boston, and Fairfax County. Brenda is passionate about fostering a supportive learning community for all her students, where they can explore the art of music making.
She is currently pursuing a Graduate Performance Diploma in Bassoon Performance at the Longy School of Music. Her principal teachers have been Timothy McGovern, Dr. Ryan D. Romine, and Rachael Elliott.
