Dr. Jeff Womack is Associate Professor of Bassoon at Tennessee Tech University where he also teaches Music History. He is principal bassoon of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra as well as a member of the Cumberland Quintet. Prior to joining the faculty at Tennessee Tech, he taught at Angelo State University (TX), Dickinson State University (ND), and Northern Arizona University. He holds degrees from Berea College, Illinois State University, and Louisiana State University. His primary teachers include Dan Duncan, Michael Dicker, William Ludwig, and Christopher Weait.
An active musician, Dr. Womack performs regularly on bassoon and contrabassoon. He performes regularly with orchestra through Tennessee including the Symphonies of Nashville, Knowville, Chattanooga, among others. While in Texas, he served as principal bassoon of the San Angelo Symphony and contrabassoonist of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. He has also presented masterclasses at universities throughout the US and abroad.
The Tennessee Tech Bassoon Studio, under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Womack, is comprised of:
Ethan Grossman is a dedicated mechanical engineering student at Tennessee Technological University, where he is also pursuing a minor in Music Performance. Ethan is passionate about sharing his love for music, balancing his academic pursuits with performances. Ethan’s multifaceted skills reflect his drive to excel in both the technical and artistic worlds.
Jacob Starker is studying music education and music performance at Tennessee Technological University. During his time there, he served as drum major for the university marching band as well as second bassoonist and contrabassoonist with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. A professional piper, he has also been a featured soloist in a performance of Peter Maxwell Davies’ An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise with the Bryan Symphony.
Parker Simpson is a sophomore at Tennessee Tech University. They are majoring in biology with a concentration in health science and are looking to go into pathology post-graduation. They have been playing the bassoon for 7 years and wish to continue studying music throughout their career.
Renae Moore is a Freshman at Tennessee Tech University. She is majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in Bassoon Performance and has been playing bassoon for eight years! She is currently active in Chamber Winds and the Double Reed Ensemble.
Landon Buttrum is a Freshman music education major and the son of Dr. Jerry Buttrum. Though raised by band directors, his musical aspirations began at age 8, when he first heard the Contrabassoon solo from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite,” and would later begin playing bassoon at age 11. Landon has a passion for music history, folk music, and reed instruments. With an eye for both quality and detail, Landon maintains a strong work ethic and is always on the hunt for new ways to improve his musicianship. And though a bit of a perfectionist, he has not let failure or lack of accomplishment stand in his way. He is currently studying Music Education at Tennessee Tech University, hoping to eventually pursue a career in musicology.
Noah Moore is a junior bassoon performance major at Tennessee Tech. He has been playing bassoon for almost eight years. He performed with the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra in high school. As a sophomore, he won the Derryberry Concerto Competition and performed Weber’s Andante and Hungarian Rondo with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. He has participated in Orford Winds Academy (2023) and attended Domaine Forget (2024). He also plays tenor saxophone in the Tennessee Tech jazz band.
Aidan Thornton is a senior biology major at Tennessee Tech and has been playing bassoon for 10 years. He has been involved in the Tennessee Tech Double Reed Ensemble as well as taken applied lessons for 3 years. After graduation, he plans continue to play and improve on the bassoon.
Beni Minaya is a Freshman at Tennessee Technological University studying music education. He has been playing the bassoon for about 4 years. He is currently active in Chamber Winds and the Double Reed Ensemble.
Josiah Nodurft is a senior music performance/music education major at Tennessee Tech. He has been a member of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra on both oboe and English horn. He been a member of the Wind Ensemble and chamber groups, including the Double Reed Ensemble since starting at Tech. Josiah has been playing the oboe for 11 years.