Virtual Saxophone Community Class
A new way to approach lessons – Fall 2020
Overview
This new program is aimed at connecting interested young saxophone students to a greater community through presentation, engagement, and conversation. We will start with introductions to the group and go through the value of each session and what we will be doing. Everyone will have the chance to play music they are practicing as part of their introductions. Participants will continue to learn throughout the classes by presenting performances, sharing opinions of recordings, and taking a deep dive into the saxophone’s multifaceted role in making music.
Meeting Time
Proposed time is 4:00–5:30 pm on Saturday afternoons via Zoom from October 17 to December 12, 2020. I will run this based on availability and other sessions based on interest.
Overall Takeaway
- Connect to artists and other young saxophonists
- Participate in a saxophone ensemble. Think about sports –– the competition, connection, and friendships that form in leagues, but with music. Everyone here will have a common interest in the saxophone, working together as a team to build the strength of this community, and ensemble performances.
- Record for a North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) regional conference
- Eligible for private lessons at a reduced rate during enrolment of course
- Build strong fundamental skills that will help in band and in life, such as time management, efficiency, dedication, and presentation skills
Who you are
- Member of a school music program looking for a wider opportunity
- Interested in growing your knowledge of the saxophone
- Wanting to develop your technique
- Member of private studio lessons, but not required
- Member of a community ensemble
- Aspiring for a university or college-level saxophone education, and/or has a very strong interest
Who I am
- Young professional artist who has a career based around the saxophone
- Multi-faceted in jazz, classical, pop, and experimental
- Classically trained with a university education and earned my master’s degree in saxophone performance
- Member of the After Hours Big Band
- Member of various chamber ensembles, and an upcoming in demand performer
- Active member of North American Saxophone Alliance
- Dedicated to the pedagogy of saxophone education at all levels of performance
- Dedicated to connecting and assisting the younger generation of students
Guest Artists
- Performers
- Educators
- Composers
- this will be updated as guests are confirmed*
Activities as part of the class
- Weekly Listening Reflection Journals
- Weekly practice for technique development (scales, articulation, long tones)
- Prepare and present short performances
- Record part(s) for saxophone ensemble
- Presentation on notable saxophonists
The class is dependent on participation and open minds. The idea of it being a “Community Class” is that we get out what we put into it. We are a community of musicians looking for something to connect us together. This is it.
There is so much to talk about, and staying organized is key. I have outlined a wide variety of topics to cover, listen to, and play as a part of this unique class.
If for whatever reason you need to miss a meeting, I will make a recording of the meeting available afterwards.
Registration Cost
The membership fee for the VSCC is $360 ($40/class). This fee includes all costs associated with registration, saxophone ensemble, and professional workshops.
Register for the Virtual Saxophone Community Class
If you have any further questions, please reach out to me via email: roberthessmusic@gmail.com