Spring Saxes
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About Spring Saxes
Come and play your saxophone in small and large groups with music provided and expert help and encouragement.
What is the course about?
Alastair and Gerard lead another of their popular saxophone courses where you’ll play in ensembles ranging from quartets to whole sax choirs. You will explore a wide range of repertoire and will benefit from their wealth of experience. In a friendly and supportive atmosphere, you will be coached in ensembles, technique classes and also receive individual attention to any issues you may have. The course is taught in a friendly and mutually supportive atmosphere, and is also very good fun!
Please let us know what size(s) of instruments you intend to bring when you apply. The basis level of playing for this course is around Grade 5.
This course will finish after lunch on Sunday and will include an extra session from 2.30-4pm on the Saturday in place of the Sunday afternoon session.
What will you learn?
The course is aimed at improving sight reading and chamber music skills. The tutors have a large library of saxophone music and tips to improve playing are added in throughout the course. The main key to the course is variety so in one session you could be playing Van Morrison’s ‘Moondance’ in an octet and in the next some Bach in a quartet. Styles of music covered include folk, jazz, classical and pop.
How will the course be taught?
You will play in everything from a quartet to large ensemble.
Who is the course for?
Standard: Improver, Confident, Skilful
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
Music will not be available in advance, but it will be provided by the tutor on the course. No preparation is required.
What we need from you
The atmosphere is always relaxed and friendly. Participants are encouraged to bring more than one type of saxophone.
Course Tutors
Gerard McChrystal
Find out moreGerard McChrystal, born in Derry, Northern Ireland, was the first student to graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music with three awards.…
Alastair Penman
Find out moreHailed as a “pioneering instrumentalist and writer” and praised for his “surpassingly beautiful music” and “undoubtedly brilliant mind”, saxophonist…
A friendly, non-judgemental environment (with fabulous food) where you get unique opportunities to test your musical abilities!
One of the best sax courses I've attended at Benslow Music. Some new music and much of it manageable but that pushed me just enough.
Go for it! I was initially doubtful I would feel at ease as although I am experienced in ensemble playing and play saxophone a lot I have had no formal training or exams on the instrument. I had a great time and did not feel out of place. All the students were friendly and generous in their playing.