Come and play your saxophone in small and large groups with music provided and expert help and encouragement.
STANDARD: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILFUL.
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/335
Booking for Members opens at 9am on Wednesday 27 November 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 9am on Monday 16 December 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here
What is the course about?
Gerard and Alastair 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 as performers and educators. In a friendly and supportive atmosphere, they will coach ensembles and technique classes and also give 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.
Please note that this course slightly differs from our standard course timetable in that there will be a session from 2.30-4pm on Tuesday and will finish at lunchtime on Thursday.
Additionally we are delighted that Henri Selmer Paris will be visiting Benslow on Wednesday 3rd July. As well as bringing instruments for participants to try, there will be a presentation about the instruments at 2:30pm on Wednesday 3rd July (during what would normally be a free session). Selmer will also have clarinets available to try, so please do bring a clarinet mouthpiece if you wish to try these as well.
Tutor website: www.saxsaxsax.com / www.alastairpenman.co.uk
What will we cover?
The course is aimed at improving sight reading and chamber music skills. Gerard has 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.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
The course is aimed at improving sight reading and chamber music skills.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Standard: Improver, Confident, Skilful
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
You will play in everything from a quartet to large ensemble. No preparation is required.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, it will be provided by the tutors on the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
The atmosphere is always relaxed and friendly. Participants are encouraged to bring more than one type of saxophone.
What previous participants said about this course…
“A friendly, non-judgemental environment (with fabulous food) where you get unique opportunities to test your musical abilities!”
“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.”
“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.”