The NewBassoon Institute—a week-long workshop on contemporary bassoon literature, performance techniques, and pedagogy—was founded in 2016 by Dark in the Song. NewBassoon traditions include performances of Michael Gordon’s Rushes and Brad Balliett’s Arboretum (premiered at the 2019 Institute), and the biennial composition competition for new chamber works for multiple bassoons. Over a dozen new works have been premiered as a result of the competition, including bassoon quartets by Elliot Grabill and Brad Baliett, and bassoon duos by JP Dreblow and Jamie Leigh Sampson.
The Institute is held in rotating locations around the country, including the Eastman School of Music, the National Music Festival, and the University of Michigan.