Jim Self
Jim Self (born 1943) is an American tubist and composer from Los Angeles. Self has performed extensively in Los Angeles and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral tubist, and, most notably, as a studio musician in the Los Angeles movie studios having appeared on over 1500 soundtracks.
Childhood, education, and early career
James Self was born in 1943 in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Self grew up in neighboring Oil City, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Oil City High School he attended Indiana State College (now known as Indiana University of Pennsylvania) from 1961-1965. At Indiana State College Self studied with William Becker, earning a music education degree.[1]
Self joined the United States Army Band in 1965. The concert band tuba section included Leo Hurst, Bob Pallansch, Dan Perantoni, Chester Schmitz, and Paul Scott. During his time with the US Army Band Self earned a Master's Degree in Tuba Performance from Catholic University and studied with Harvey Phillips.
Self left the Army Band in 1967. He was offered the position of Assistant Professor of Tuba and the University of Tennessee in 1969.
In 1971, while still working at the University of Tennessee, Self began working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California. At USC he studied under Tommy Johnson.[2]
Los Angeles
Studio career
Self has performed on the Los Angeles studios since 1974. In this time he has recorded over 1500 soundtracks for motion pictures and television.[3] One of Self's most notable soundtrack credits is his performance on Close Encounters of the Third Kind. His performance was featured as the "voice of the mothership." Self can be heard as a soloist in such films as Jurassic Park, Home Alone I&II, Casper, Batteries Not Included, Sleepless in Seattle, and Dennis the Menace. Jim Self has been the first call tubist for such notable film composers as John Williams, James Newton Howard, John Debney and James Horner.[4]
Orchestral performances
Jim Self holds principal tuba positions with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (1991–present), Pasadena Symphony (1975-present), Pacific Symphony (1986–present),[5] Los Angeles Opera (1986–present),[6] and Opera Pacific (1987-2008). Self is a frequent substitute tubist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.[7]
Teaching
Jim Self has taught at the University of Southern California since 1976. At USC Self teaches tuba and coaches brass chamber music.[8] Self taught at the University of Tennessee from 1969-1975. He has also taught at such festivals as Music Academy of the West and the Henry Mancini Institute.
Compositions
Self has published over 50 solo, chamber, and symphonic works. In 2008 the Pacific Symphony performed his composition, Tour de Force: Episodes for Orchestra.[9] The 13 minute work has also been transcribed for wind ensemble and was co-premiered by the USC Thornton Wind Ensemble under the direction of H. Robert Reynolds and the IUP Wind Ensemble under the direction of Jack Stamp.[10]
Awards
Harvey Phillips Award (ITEA), 2010
Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording (ITEA), 2008 - InnerPlay[11]
Lifetime Achievement Award (ITEA), 2008[12][13]
Distinguished Alumni Award, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2003[14]
Most Valuable Player Award (Tuba), National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987[15]
President, International Tuba Euphonium Association, 1979-1981[16]
Solo/Chamber/Jazz Discography
| Disc Title | Year of Release | Genre | Contributing Artists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children at Play | 1983 | Jazz |
|
| New Stuff | 1988 | Jazz |
|
| Tricky Lix | 1991 | Jazz |
|
| Changing Colors | 1995 | Classical |
Terry Trotter, Piano |
| The Basset Hound Blues | Example | Jazz |
|
| The Big Stretch | 1999 | Classical |
|
| My America | Year | Americana |
|
| Size Matters | Year | Jazz |
|
| Inner Play | Year | Jazz |
|
| The Odd Couple | Year | Jazz |
|
| Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra | 2012 | Classical/Jazz |
|
External links
References
- ^ Nowicke, Carole (October 2001). "International Tuba-Euphonium Association Oral History Project: Oral History Interview of Dr. James M. Self". ITEA Online. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ Collins, Zach (2009). "Jim Self: A Fortunate Musician". ITEA Journal. 36 (3). Leader Printing: 34–52. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ "The Usual Suspects Gio Washington-Wright's Top L.A. Studio Musicians Tribute Site". Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "Jim Self Bio". Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Pacific Symphony:James Self". Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "LA Opera: James Self". Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "Jim Self Official Website". Retrieved 2013-01-26.
- ^ "USC Thornton School of Music Faculty Profiles: Jim Self". Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ Timothy Mangan (16 April 2008). "Tuba dude takes the plunge as a composer". Orange County Register. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "USC Faculty Profile: Jim Self". Retrieved 2013-01-26.
- ^ "Thornton School of Music Faculty Profiles: Jim Self". Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ Self, Jim. "Lifetime Achievement Award Speech" (PDF). Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "Yamaha Tuba Artist Jim Self Receives Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award". Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Jim and Jamie Self Jazz Room to be Dedicated". Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "World-Renowned Tubist Jim Self, His Amazing Fluba, And Expansive 'My America' CD". All About Jazz. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ International Tuba Euphonium Association