In a band, bass players can play different roles. In most cases, the role of the bass player is a supporting one. However, there are multiple ways of playing the bass: you can support from the shadows, but also take a more central place. You can be laid back and lazy, but also driving the band forward. In any case, you can steer the band, even though you're not the front person. Not many musicians consider the bass player the most important person in the band, but that is mainly because they never look under the surface.

In a professional team, you might consider yourself a bass player: you keep the music flowing, try to be not too obvious, but all the time making sure that everyone can play their part. Within the realm of IT, there is a great number of bass players. They carry the music for all organizations. There is great power in this role, and as we all know from Voltaire (well, most will know it from Uncle Ben): with great power comes great responsibility.

In this presentation, we will be looking into the ethics of bass playing. And the bass is in itself a very ethical instrument: while guitars are often distorted, basses are generally played clean. And obviously, special attention will be given to upright bass playing, as this shapes the core of ethical musicianship.