Garrett Jellesma, Principal Bass

Garrett has been the principal bass for The Vancouver Symphony since 1997.   Besides playing for The VSO, Garrett performs and subs for other ensembles in the Portland area such as the Bach Cantata Choir, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Linfield Chamber Orchestra, Portland Opera and various other groups.

Garrett started his bass studies with David Anderson and Lary Zgonc.  He continued his studies in Arizona with Patrick Neher.  Throughout the years he has also studied with Max Dimoff, Ken Baldwin, and Barry Lieberman.  To date his most influential mentor has been Frank Diliberto of the Oregon Symphony.

When not performing, Garrett is an orchestra teacher at H.B. Lee Middle School in the Gresham Reynolds School District.  During the day he teaches award-winning ensembles that range in size of 25 - 80 students.  Garrett also keeps a studio of private students and many of his former students have gone on to study and have careers in music.

In his spare time Garrett loves to spend time traveling with his wife Christy and two  children Geoffrey and Aly.