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Instrument: Bassoon
Desired Degree: Performance
Graduation: Spring 2019
Kenmore East High School
Tonawanda, New York
A.J. Neubert’s Accoladi.com profile quickly attracted the attention of numerous collegiate fine arts recruiters in late 2018 and early 2019. They were specifically looking for accomplished bassoon players like A.J., who had numerous accolades such as All-State honors, concerto contest wins, and prestigious summer music experiences. Additionally, they evaluated his performance repertoire, particularly those rated or competed, and A.J. excelled in all these areas.
With growing interest from recruiters, A.J. and his family meticulously researched the scholarship potential of his selected institutions, both institutional and external. With valuable input from his band director and private bassoon instructor, A.J. narrowed his choices to five schools.
He auditioned at all five, receiving acceptance from each. However, it was Oberlin College & Conservatory in Ohio that not only accepted him but also awarded a full four-year tuition and fees scholarship, totaling $334,358 for his undergraduate degree in performance.
At Oberlin, A.J. studied under the renowned bassoonist Drew Pattison. He excelled in national and international competitions, including the National Bassoon Excerpt Competition and the International Double Reed Society’s Norma Hooks Young Artist Competition. During summers, he was a Bassoon Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, performed with the Boston Symphony, and appeared as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
After Oberlin, A.J. moved to Los Angeles to attend the esteemed Colburn School, frequently substituting with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He earned a Performance Studies Certificate under the guidance of Richard Beene, a former bassoonist with the Chicago Symphony and the New York Philharmonic.
Currently, A.J. Neubert is the principal bassoonist with the Charlotte Symphony in North Carolina. His journey, which began in a band classroom in Tonawanda, New York, flourished through private lessons in Buffalo and enriching summer music experiences, denoted honor ensemble participation, all documented on Accoladi.com.
