Get to Know AMS: Jacob V Warren
Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the worldâs most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.
Get to know: Jacob Warren Age: 20 Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan Instrument: Double Bass
Jacob Warren is currently studying Music Performance at University of Michigan, and has been playing the double bass for 10 years. Jacobâs musical influences include Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Sarah Jarosz, Paul Kowert, Renauld Garcia-Fons, Yo-Yo Ma, Diana Gannett, Robert Rohwer, Punch Brothers, and Bela Fleck. The one musician, alive or dead, that Jacob would like to meet is Maurice Ravel. He says, âThe music that Ravel wrote is some of my absolute favorite music. Ravel was a master of orchestration, and was arguably the best at using the timbre of instruments in his compositions. He also was very skilled at taking other composerâs works and fleshing them out into larger pieces. Like say, taking a piano piece and turning it into an orchestral work. His use of harmony is also something that I greatly admire. He borrowed liberally from the idiom of jazz and also from eastern musical idioms. I would jump at the opportunity to meet this great composer, and pick his brain!â
Jacobâs happiest musical experience was at AMS last year. Jacob says, âBeing surrounded by peers as talented and energetic as the students who come to AMS was a real privilege. When young musicians who play at a high level, and can keep up with each other, come together to play, amazing and new things start to happen.â In other musicians, he most values a deep appreciation for, and ability in a variety of differing musical styles. Jacob says, âWith technological globalization, the diversity of the musical pallet has changed drastically in the past two decades. I really love when I can play with someone and freely borrow from a variety of musical scores.âJacob has specific advice for younger musicians, saying âBeing a musician is much more than just being able to play. To be a successful professional you really have to cultivate a diversity of skills, including, but not limited to business, promotional and organizational skills. Being a great musician, and being able to conduct yourself professionally will help you make it as a musician.â At AMS this year, Jacob is most looking forward to meeting the fellow AMS musicians. Jacob says, âLast year I met so many new amazing musicians who have made my past musical year endlessly interesting, and I canât wait to see what kind of connection I will be making this time around!â
Check out Jacob playing the double bass below:
Be sure to check out Jacob and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular!
















