Why I Chose Backun
"From the first time I tried the Q Series bass clarinet, I have been blown away by both the sound and the mechanics of this instrument. The evenness of the sound throughout the entire range while maintaining flexibility and the ease of playing is unmatched. Morrie seems to have found a solution to every imperfection bass clarinetists have come to accept as “the way bass clarinet is supposed to be”. The mechanics are thoughtfully designed, every ergonomic modification I have made to my previous instrument can be found on the Backun bass clarinets. With my Backun bass clarinet, I can spend less time worrying about the instrument and focus more on the music."
About
Dr. Jack Liang is a freelance musician and private teacher in the Greater Vancouver area. Known for his exceptional artistry and unique programming, he regularly performs throughout North America and Europe as a soloist and a member of The Ambassador Trio. He can also be heard performing with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Island Symphony, Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and other ad hoc ensembles in Greater Vancouver.
Liang enjoys performing works from a variety of musical styles, with a special interest in contemporary music. His interest in contemporary music has led to numerous collaborations with composers, exploring new sonic and performance possibilities for the clarinet. These collaborations have resulted in significant additions to the contemporary clarinet repertoire and use of new performance techniques.
Outside of performance halls, Liang is widely recognized for his research examining non-articulatory tongue motion during clarinet performance, with a focus on multiphonic production. As part of this research, he created a new multiphonic resource to serve performers, pedagogues, and composers. The resource includes a catalogue of over 600 dyad multiphonics, with detailed strategies for learning to produce each multiphonic. This research is widely cited in recent academic literature and pedagogical materials and heavily utilized in post-secondary clarinet studios.
In addition to a demanding performance schedule, Liang maintains a private studio of 20-30 students, offering private lessons in clarinet, saxophone, and ensemble coaching. He is also a regular guest artist at high schools, colleges, and universities throughout North America offering clinics and masterclasses.
Liang earned a doctorate and master's degree from Arizona State University under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Spring and Dr. Joshua Gardner. He also holds a bachelor's degree from University of British Columbia where he studied with Cris Inguanti.
Jack Liang is a Backun artist and performs on a Backun Q Series Bass Clarinet.
