Composer and bassist Alejandro Rutty is best-known for his distinctive mix of South American styles, lyrical melodies, meticulous rhythmic detail, and exotic textures. His recent output includes solos, duos, trios and quartets for extended-range electric bass, which he performs by himself or with other bassists. Rutty’s compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina, National Symphony Orchestra of Brazil, Montevideo Philharmonic, Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra and numerous chamber ensembles. Recordings of his music have been released by Navona, Capstone, Albany, Arizona University Recordings, and other labels. Why Bass? II is a release with original music for a solo bass, no overdubs. The recording is available on all streaming platforms Can’t attend in person? Click here to watch virtually via our livestream.

Prentiss Hobbs, Principal Trombone of the Chattanooga Symphony, Huntsville Symphony, and several others, is one of the regions most active professional trombonists. He is a visiting artist presenting a solo recital of a variety of music for UTK brass students and the general public. Note: This event will not be livestreamed.

A native of Elgin, Illinois, Mike Anderson is a professional musician and educator in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mike currently serves as Principal Tuba for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Brass Quintet, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared with the Illinois Brass Band, Lexington Brass Band, Blue Lake Festival Band, Varna International Muzika! Festival Orchestra, and Tallahassee Community Chorus Orchestra. Mike has also garnered success in multiple competitions, including winning the 2023 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference Mock Band Competition.In addition to his orchestral work, Mike is an adjunct instructor of tuba at Tennessee Tech University. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a master's degree in performance from Florida State University. His primary teachers included Dr. Matthew Hightower, Daniel Perantoni, and Scott Tegge. Can’t attend in person? Click here to watch virtually via our livestream.