Avalon Lee, Bass

Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Avalon Lee began studying the double bass as an elementary student with Sheryl Fry. She continued her studies with Bob Olson, Vince Cee, and Paul Sharpe. 

Avalon was a finalist in the Concerto Competition at the Strings International Music Festival. She twice attended the Eastern Music Festival where she was principal bass, studying under Meredith Johnson. Avalon graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University in 2013, with a B.M in Double Bass Performance and was Principal Bass of Peabody Concert Orchestra and Peabody Symphony Orchestra three of her four years. While there, she studied with Paul Johnson and attended/performed in master classes with Hal Robinson, Eugene Levinson, Paul Ellison, Jeffrey Weisner, Ranaan Meyer, Ira Gold, Alex Hanna and many others.

Avalon was invited to the University of Manitoba in Canada on a full scholarship where she studied with Meredith Johnson and Minna Chung, earning her M.M in 2015 and Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in 2017. While there, Avalon performed with the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra and as a substitute bassist in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. 

Under an internship program of the Winnipeg Symphony, she engaged in educational outreach where she presented at schools. While in Canada, Avalon had a small studio of aspiring bassists. 

Avalon has also been the double bass instructor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Summer Music Academy since 2016 and has been teaching, coaching, and conducting small and large ensembles since 2010. Avalon has also been an adjudicator for the Alaska State Solo and Ensemble low strings division.

Avalon has performed with additional groups such as the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, Arctic Chamber Orchestra, Fairbanks Opera Orchestra, Peabody Opera Orchestra, and performed with ensembles for music festivals in Germany, Greece, Canada, South Korea, and many states in the U.S. 

Currently, Avalon lives in Anchorage, Alaska where she works, teaches, and volunteers in the community.