Musically Up Close

A Bassoonist's Journey with Josie Whiteis
Friday, February 27, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
City Hall Rotunda
Free Admission

Join Principal bassoonist Josie Whiteis as she takes you on a journey through music, the bassoon, and herself! Take a journey through Josie’s personal and musical life as she shares her story on how she started playing this unconventional instrument, dubbed the “clown of the orchestra”, and how she has gotten to where she is today. These stories will be interwoven with pieces about life and journeys. It is sure to be a fun afternoon of music and storytelling! Josie will be joined on oboe by Nic Kanipe for this entertaining musical experience.

About the Artist

Josie Whiteis is a bassoonist, educator, and doctoral student based in Tallahassee, Florida. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music degree at Florida State University, where she studies with Jeff Keesecker and serves as a graduate assistant in the bassoon studio. Josie is principal bassoonist of the Panama City Symphony, acting principal with Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and second bassoonist with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Northwest Florida Symphonies, as well as the contemporary ensemble Density 512.

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• Next Wednesday, 7th January, 10:30 am, Pre-K & Parent Social in Panama City
• This month, 16th January, 03:30 pm, Musically Up Close in Panama City
• This month, 17th January, 08:00 am, Great Tree Giveaway in Panama City

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