From Rob Buckland's website, I learn that this year's Royal northern College of Music sax day is likely to be on 16 November 2008. Nothing on the RNCM site itself yet, as far as I can see.

Recommended: one for the diary.

nick

!!!





(Sorry to be so predictable)

Do you need to be any particular standard to go?

not really - it's an all-comers day, but i don't think there's any point in raw beginners going (except to watch). All events are in largish groups, no individual tuition (except in masterclasses) so to get most out of you have to be able to keep up! round about G4 should be OK

nj

Thanks. Should have done grade 5 by then. Does everyone bring a sax and participate or can you observe?

I think most people bring a sax, and it's probably more fun that way, but if that's a problem e.g. because of flights and hand luggage restrictions, then it's probably only the first session with the massed saxophone orchestra where there isn't a non-playing alternative such as observing a masterclass to attend.

I personally don't even think you need to be grade 4. There are beginners masterclasses to go to focusing on beginner techniques. So as long as you can get a few notes out of a sax if you wanted to be a dummy then there isn't really any set standard. I also see no problem in 'raw beginners' going. The day can be really inspiring even for students who have just started, and what better way to encourage pupils and capture enthusiasm than allowing them to attend such a day?

Fair enough - I agree it's an exciting and inspiring day, and didn't realise they had beginners classes (I don't remember that from the times I've been). I just wanted to give my impression of the minimum standard for full participation - but certainly, people at any level at all will get something from the day.

nj

I shall be present again, sax in hand

Can highly recommend this event to all saxophonists of all standards - I had a great time last year

Seconded - it's a great day

I shall be there this year

I was Grade 2 when I went to my first one it was definitely beneficial and great fun at that!! Would recommend it to saxophonists of all abilities.

The Sax Assault playing session was great

it was so good last year...i've put it in my diary!!!

I played last year, it was the first time I ever played in public. A harrowing experience in improvisation wedged between 2 very advanced friends from college.....
Haha.
I agree with Scaramouche here, if you're a beginner there'd still be plenty to do.

Very basic details of the sax day on November 16th are now on the RNCM website.

Who's planning to go this year?

The evening concert/recital looks like it's Otis Murphy and the Chris Potter Quartet

Details :

here

I might be there. I agree it's a fantastic day, and if I lived north I's definitely be plannig on going. But I live in London, and it's the opening weekend of the London Jazz Festival - so maybe, but it depends on other things too.

Are you going to be able to make it noodle?

Just booked...

nick

see you there!

I've just booked as well - I'm really looking forward to this, but also really nervous as well. I'm wondering if I've done the right thing. I've never been out of my house with the sax before ....eeek

Chad

Well you can always get some practice at the Eccles Playday the day before if you're in Manchester on that day.

You'll be fine : the massed sax choir at the beginning is definitely a case of safety in numbers. It makes a BIG sound!
It'll just be a fun day all round, as well as playing, you'll hear top sax players, and have the chance to cause serious damage to your credit/debit card on the various trade stalls!



If you are around the day before, you are most welcome to come along and play at Eccles! Website is here.

I'm working at the Saxophone Day, so shall see you all there.

Will you wear a name badge? How will we know it's you....?

nick

As I know what both of you look like, I don't envisage a problem...

I need to book this!!

Emsoboe will be very disappointed if you don't book this

And me!!

My post today contains tickets for the sax day!

See you all there!

How many people coming? : we could make a list, and highlight in red those of you also coming to the Eccles orchestral playday the previous day!

Think that's what I'll do!

(black = coming to sax day, red = coming to both sax day and Eccles orchestral playday)

barry-clari
emsoboe
Scaramouche
nickjones8
zappafan
hillyb
clarisax
saxy-thing

Having made the last two I don't think I'll be able to make it this year.

The next couple of months have two weddings, hen nights etc coming up and I think a trip to Manchester as well is going to be just a bit too much. I'm sure you'll all enjoy it though - it's a great day for sax lovers.

5 more potential players for the Playday then!

Barry - do I get a special colour because I am working with the young saxophones sessions all day?

Scaramouche

Oh... I guess i'll need to find a friend to bring then otherwise i'll be on my own cause I don't think saxophonist is coming this year with him being in London...

My son's going to the saxophone day - but he doesn't have a forum name yet. On another internet forum he's called Kitchen roll, so I suppose you could call him that. Otherwise he's just plain old Chris H's son.

Anyone here volunteered to participate in the masterclasses?

I thought briefly about it, then decided I had far too much else on my plate to be able to polish a sax piece up for the masterclasses...

I notice there are two lots of classes, one with RNCM students, one with sax day participants...

Finally got round to booking for Emsoboe this week. To be honest if the Sax Masterclasses are organised anything like the woodwind ones they are a bit restrictive in that you end up in there for the whole session.

OK, thanks for letting me know. Really, I'm primarily going, like last year, to play lots!

Just want to revise my earlier comment after having a conversation re-woodwind day. The format of the Woodwind day has changed this year it's designed so the sessions can be dipped in and out of (good to hear). Emsoboe has been given a choice of masterclasses and can join in the improvisation group too.

I'm having problems with the concept that RNCM are so wecoming based on participation last year and school are so totally the opposite

That sounds good re. woodwind day!

Got some post yesterday which contained a leaflet detailing everything going on at the sax day!

Got it too looks very interesting. Are you going to play in the masterclass? Is anyone else thinking of it?

I'd like to go to sax day next year (09), it seems to take me the best part of a year to plan to go anywhere these days.

Not this year : something I might do in the future though. I think I shall spend my time playing in the groups and browsing the stalls

A week tomorrow guys. Anyone going to the centre for young musicians workshops? I imagine not as they are for beginners - grade 3, but thought I'd ask as I'm working with them.

Nope (too old and - just about - too advanced!). But I am going to Eccles, and to RNCM, and spending my time in between at Haworth and Manchester YHAs!

See y'all there (at RNCM, that is)

nick

Are you squeezing in a visit to Hanson too? I wouldn't as they will probably try to sell you a Bass Sax

Emsoboe is in the right age range but is also too advanced. Maybe you'll get to say hello this time Scaramouche?

I can't believe how quickly this has come around!

Looking forward to it very much

I'm sending two of my pupils along Possibly a couple from Salford too...if I can persuade them. I might come and listen to the final result and be a supportive teacher!