John Hester serves as both String Bass Instructor and Event Coordinator with the Schwab Music Academy. Based in Southern California, Mr. Hester continues to perform with many Orchestras throughout the Region. He has also spent several years performing extensively throughout Europe, Scandinavia, China, and Armenia as Principal Bass with the Classical Concert Chamber Orchestra, the United Armenian – American Chamber Orchestra, and the Dutch International Chamber Orchestra. Currently, Mr. Hester is Co-Principal Bass of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and has performed with such Orchestras as the Pasadena Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, New West Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Barbara Opera, Redlands Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony, Riverside Philharmonic, Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra, Dream Orchestra, and the avant-garde Orchestra Unleashed, as well as many others. An avid chamber musician, he has performed noted premiers of new works by Esa-Pekka Salonen and William Toutant with the Composers in attendance.
As an instructor, Mr. Hester maintains an active private studio and has trained aspiring artists for international television performances with Disney’s Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra as well as working with students at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. As an adjunct faculty member, he has taught string bass at California State University at Northridge, Pepperdine University, California Lutheran University, California Baptist University, and currently teaches string bass and various other subjects in music at The Master’s University, Ventura College, and Moorpark College. He helped develop and direct the new Antelope Valley Strings Academy into a successful after-school teaching program for underprivileged and underserved students. Enrolled students are provided free access to instruments, curriculum, and experienced, professional instructors.
In an Administrative capacity, Mr. Hester has been successful in the positions of Contractor, Director of Operations, and Manager for various domestic and international orchestras, as well as his current capacity with the Schwab Music Academy in Ventura, California.
Mr. Hester received his Bachelor of Music performance degree in Bass from California State University, Northridge and his MFA from California Institute of the Arts. His principal teachers include Charles Siani, Principal Bassist with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Ed Meares, Principal Bass of the Pasadena Symphony, Peter Rofé, Bassist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Julius Levine, renowned bassist and pedagogue. Mr. Hester also holds a current California Teaching Credential in Instrumental Music and enjoys teaching orchestra in schools at every level.