"It takes a good bit of stamina" to play the large metal instrument, says Mello, the data manager/computer coordinator for the Office of Public Affairs and University Relations.
The contrabass has a deep, rich resonance and is pitched in double-B flat with a range frequently extended downward to low D or C (the lowest B flat on the piano), explains Mello. It comes in two shapes - loop, which Mello plays, and is often referred to as "curved," "looped" or "paper clip" form, or "straight," which looks like a larger bass clarinet with a long neck.
A musician since age 12, Mello began on the trumpet. But after hearing a recording of "The Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky, he became fascinated with the bass clarinet and bought himself an instrument. Self-taught on the clarinet, Mello studied performance at the University of Rhode Island, where he mastered every instrument in the clarinet family, including the soprano, alto, bass and contrabass. In addition, he plays guitar, saxophone (alto and tenor) and piano.
After graduating from URI, Mello continued to perform in various chamber groups, ensembles and orchestras throughout the state and made a living at a variety of computer jobs before coming to Brown 11 months ago. Mello's past positions included designing record keeping, billing and estimating systems for his dad's construction firm; quality control management for a computer magazine; technical support and network administration at URI; and managing a record store.
It was at the record store where his appetite for collecting music became ravenous. "I have more than 4,000 compact discs," says Mello, "and my taste in music includes everything from pop and rock to jazz and classical." On his personal Top 10 list are ABBA, Billie Holiday, Santana, Kate Bush, David Bowie, Tori Amos, P.J. Harvey, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Blondie.
Mello is also a big fan of Stravinsky. "I have 29 recordings of the `Rite of Spring' and among my favorite interpretations are the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa, and Leonard Bernstein."
You can hear Mello and the other members of the Brown University Wind Symphony performing under the baton of Matthew McGarrell on Friday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. in Grant Recital Hall. The concert will feature guest soloist Gary Buttery on tuba. Free tickets will be available Monday Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Department of Music. For more information, call 863-3234. - Glenn Hare