Why I Chose Backun
“From the first notes I played on the Backun Q Bass Clarinet, I felt an immediate connection. It made such an impression that I played it on that night’s Philadelphia Orchestra concert. The Q has a responsiveness, color, and stability I haven’t found anywhere else. Along with impeccable intonation and even resonance on every note, the warmth and clarity of the sound allow me to blend effortlessly while still offering the depth and presence needed for solo moments. Above all, it simply feels right in my hands—comfortable, trustworthy, and inspiring to play every night.”
About
Paul Demers has been a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 2006, where he serves as the orchestra’s bass clarinetist. Prior to joining the ensemble, he was the E-flat clarinetist, soloist, and a clarinet section member with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C.
He has appeared with leading ensembles including the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. An active chamber musician, Mr. Demers has performed at major festivals such as the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival, Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, Kingston Chamber Music Festival, and Bravo! Vail. In Philadelphia, he performs regularly with Dolce Suono Ensemble and Network for New Music, and has appeared on the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society series.
A dedicated educator, Mr. Demers serves on the faculty of the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University and teaches at both the Curtis Institute of Music and the New World Symphony. He also gives frequent masterclasses for the clarinetists in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Originally from Westbrook, Maine, he studied at the University of Southern Maine before earning his Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Certificate in Performance from DePaul University in Chicago. His principal teachers include Tom Parchman, Julie DeRoche, Larry Combs, and John Bruce Yeh.
Photo Credit: Melissa Hernandez of Hot Pink Studio
