Jane Christen, Contrabassist
Jane has enjoyed a lifetime of playing bass, a goal that was formed at about the age of six when a combo that included a bass was brought in for her beginning dance class recital. Born in Bakersfield, CA, she studied bass with Robert H. Manning and obtained a seat with the Kern County Philharmonic at the age of twelve and continued playing with the Philharmonic for eight years, eventually attaining the position of principal.
Jane studied at USC Idyllwild School of Music & Arts for six years under a stellar music faculty. She was a member of the ISOMATA England/Wales tour orchestra in 1963 and the Denmark/Sweden/Norway tour orchestra in 1965. These tour orchestras were under the baton of Ralph Matesky.
Jane moved to the Central Coast area of California in 1968 and served as principal bass with the San Luis Obispo Symphony under the baton of Cliff Swanson (also a bass player), and played with the Santa Maria Symphony and the Mozart Festival Orchestra.
In 1975, Jane went to sea with her husband, working as a commercial fisherman and living aboard their boat. Upon her return to shore, Jane settled in Long Beach, CA and secured the position of assistant-principal bass with the Peninsula Symphony under the baton of Joseph Valenti. She was also principal bass with the Bellflower Symphony, and played with the El Camino Symphony and the Santa Monica Symphony.
In 1994 Jane moved to her home in Shelton, WA. She currently serves as principal bass for the Olympia Symphony and the Bremerton Symphony.
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