Clarinet and Saxophone Journal Report

Nottingham SaxDay

Sunday 19^th March, Djanogly Arts Centre, University of Nottingham.

Sixty saxophone players attended this year’s SaxDay at Nottingham’s Djanogly Arts Centre, hosted by tutors Alistair Parnell, Richard Ingham and Julia Mills.

The Djanogly Arts Centre at Nottingham University is home to the University’s music department, and has excellent facilities including the superb Djanogly Recital Hall.  Windblowers, the local specialist music shop, supported the day and set up a stand with instruments, accessories and music in the foyer.  They also provided much-needed coffee during the breaks.

As last year, the day provided plenty of ensemble playing opportunities, but with the new feature of separate sessions in the afternoon where players chose either to attend a masterclass, learn basic improvisation skills, focus on sax technique or on the mysteries of mouthpieces and reeds. The day was attended by the entire Yorkshire Saxophone Choir, and by local sax ensemble Equinox, who were able to put the rehearsal time to good use with specially scheduled sessions with Alistair Parnell.  Everyone then had a chance to play together in a mass blow to end the afternoon.

The evening concert was a great success, including performances from the Yorkshire Sax Choir and Equinox.  Highlights of the concert were solo performances from Richard, Alistair and Julia. Antony Clare provided superb piano accompaniment throughout the concert. The massed saxes ended the concert with a rousing performance to send the audience home with their ears ringing!

After the success of last year’s event, the tutors were hard-pressed to deliver another great day for everyone, particularly given that there were far more players this year.  However, the consensus at the end of a full day was that it was even better, and that the Nottingham SaxDay is now a fixture in the calendar!

To be added to the mailing list for next year’s event, contact Alistair Parnell on 07973 541364 or via http://www.aparnell.com/.

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