Autumn Saxes

–
Tutors: Gerard McChrystal, Alastair Penman

About Autumn Saxes

Celebrate the joyful and varied soundworld of the saxophone in this relaxed course where you’ll get to play in different group sizes from quartets to whole saxophone choirs, across all kinds of music from jazz and classical repertoire to pop. Please note, this course slightly differs from our standard timetable, with a session from 2.30-4pm on Tuesday and finishing at lunchtime on Thursday.

What is the course about?

Enjoy the thrill of playing the saxophone together with other saxophonists in our popular Autumn Saxes course, led by professionals and teachers Gerard McChrystal and Alastair Penman. This course is all about embracing variety, so in one session you might be grooving to Van Morrison’s ‘Moondance’ in an octet and in the next, tackling Bach in a quartet. We’ll journey through all kinds of music from classical and jazz to pop and folk, and deepen your playing and musicianship skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course you will: Improve your sight reading and quick study skills of new music. Discover a rich range of saxophone repertoire and develop your performance and musicianship skills. Meet and play with a varied group of saxophone players and enjoy playing together in various different groupings.

How will the course be taught?

You’ll play in a range of different groupings in each session, from quartets to full sax choirs, with coaching from tutors Gerard and Alastair. There will also be time for technique classes and for individual coaching on specific technique issues. This course slightly differs from our standard timetable, with a session from 2.30-4pm on Tuesday and finishing at lunchtime on Thursday.

Who is the course for?

For saxophone players looking to learn new skills and develop their ensemble playing with others. No formal training is required but you must be Grade 5 or equivalent and above, with the ability to read music.

Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?

We’ll share the music at the start of the course so there’s no need to prepare anything in advance. Please bring your instrument with you - we encourage you to bring different types of saxophone if you have them. Please let us know which instruments you will be bringing at point of booking.

Course Tutors

You might also like

  1. Weekly lessons

    Late Starter Strings Instrumental Lessons - Summer

    Tutors: Elly Dobson, Vanessa Gaidoni, Jan Tothill, Ros Woodin
    Have you always wished you could play the violin, viola, cello or double bass, but never had the chance to begin? Our Later Starter Strings programme…
    More info
  2. Weekly lessons

    Late Starter Strings Instrumental Lessons - Spring

    Tutors: Elly Dobson, Vanessa Gaidoni, Jan Tothill, Ros Woodin
    Have you always wished you could play the violin, viola, cello or double bass, but never had the chance to begin? Our Later Starter Strings programme…
    More info

  3. Summer Winds & Piano

    Multiple tutors
    A week celebrating and exploring the diverse word of wind ensemble music. Playing in small and large ensembles, discover a wide range of repertoire…
    More info