Donovan Stokes

Donovan Stokes currently teaches bass in the Department of Music at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA and assists with South Georgia String Project. Equally fluent on electric bass and double bass, Mr. Stokes is currently principal bass of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, principal bass of the Central Florida Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Valdosta Chamber Players and a member of the VSU faculty jazz ensemble. Previous to his appointment at VSU he served on the faculties of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana University String Academy in Bloomington, Amarillo College, and Eastern New Mexico University. Additionally, Mr. Stokes has previously been Director of Jazz Programs for the Southern Indiana Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Currently a doctoral candidate at Indiana University, he holds a M.M from Indiana University School of Music and a B.M. from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Stokes was nominated for, and honored by inclusion in, the 2005-2006 edition of The Chancellor's List. His varied musical studies have led him to teachers as diverse as noted pedagogue Lawrence Hurst, recording artist Edgar Meyer, former president of the International Society of Bassist's David Murray, noted cellist and pedagogue Dr. Helga Winold, Young Bassist specialist Inez Wyrick, noted violin pedagoge Mimi Zweig and fiddler Mark O'Connor.

An active soloist, composer, clinician and adjudicator, and a specialist in the use of amplified and electronically manipulated double bass, Mr. Stokes has been a lecturer/presenter for several International Society of Bassists Conventions, has been a featured performer/composer at "Unity through Diversity," a semi-annual event sponsored by the Brian Deneke Memorial Fund and is a regular clinician at the Richard Davis Bass Weekend in Madison Wisconsin. Additionally, Mr. Stokes is dedicated to preserving the work of Russian bass virtuoso and pioneer Rodion Azarkhin and is married to fellow bassist, and International Society of Bassists Young Bass Ambassador for 2001, Inez Wyrick. Visit him on the web at: http://www.donovanstokes.com