Sax World

Saxophone & Jazz Ensembles in Norwich

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News & Information


David Fitzgerald’s SaxWorld & JazzWorld

 

SaxWorld  & JazzWorld - Winter Term 2024

                                                                               

Good morning,

I do hope that you have had a wonderful Summer and ready for some more fun and music making! I’ve missed being with the SaxWorld & JazzWorld teams and looking forward to returning to our Saturday sessions once again.

Here’s some News & Information for the Winter term - please keep as a handy reference.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR WINTER TERM 2024

SaxWorld & JazzWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 14th September and will end on Saturday 7th December (last day of rehearsals and the day of our SaxWorld, JazzWorld & Soloists Christmas Concert’) - at St Anne’s ‘Crossroads’ Church (6.00 – 9.00 pm).

As with the Summer Concert, my plan for Saturday 7th Dec’ is that we hold our usual rehearsals in the morning, break for the afternoon and re-gather around 5.00 pm to set up and make final preparations.

We shall enjoy two 60 min programs of music with a 45 min Interval (ending our evening around 8.45 pm).

Our rehearsal session will also be held in the Church, so that we can set up and leave ready for the evening.

Half Term: There will be no SaxWorld & JazzWorld sessions on Saturday 2nd Nov’ (Half term break).

 

SAXWORLD & JAZZWORLD DATES FOR WINTER TERM - SATURDAYS

Sept’: 14th 21st, 28th /Oct’: 5th, 12th /Nov’: 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th /Dec: 7th (AM: Reh’ /PM: ‘Christmas Concert’)

 

SUMMER TERM SESSION INVOICES/ New Fees & Membership Agreements – 2024/25

You will find all rehearsal session dates on your Invoice, along with BACS details (at the top of your Invoice). You have an option to pay your Invoice in full or monthly.

I would ask that you do commit to paying for the full term please (even if you cannot attend every session).

I appreciate your help and support with this, as your fees will go toward room hire costs (which have increased), advertising fees & purchase of music & equipment. Thank you.

 

New Fees & Membership Agreements – for 2024/25.

A new SaxWorld & JazzWorld Membership Agreement for 2024/2025 is attached for you.

I would ask that you read this through please. There is no need to respond or sign anything – unless your contact details have changed or you wish to change the ensemble that you are currently a member of. Please do let me have these details, as soon as possible, thank you.

You will see that, for the first time, since first establishing SaxWorld in 2021, I have found it necessary to increase the fee this year – by just £2 per 60 minute session. You will also see that I have kept the 50% discount for any 2nd ensemble membership, as I do want to encourage you to continue with these if at all possible.

Those who do play within SaxWorld, as well as within JazzWorld ensembles, will testify that each of these are so very unique - offering a whole different dimension of playing skills, musical style and approach and most of all repertoire.

To conclude. I have sought to avoid any change in fees these last few years. This has been due initially to the need for us to find ourselves again, coming out of the difficult Covid-19 pandemic season. Now we are faced with this current economic situation. However, with the constant rise in all business expenses, this change has become necessary.

 

New Pupils for SaxWorld & JazzWorld: 

Our Saxophone ensembles do continue to grow and to develop. There are still a few spaces left, especially within Junior Saxology & Jazzology, and so we are still open to welcome new members.

 

New Pupils for JazzWorld: 

We are still at the building stages of this ensemble. We do have a good number of Saxophonists this term and very close to completing our Rhythm section. We are in real need of a Bass player, this would make such a difference.

The key area for development, however, is our Brass Section (we need at least one more Trumpet and one or two Trombones).

Let us hope that widening our advertising, displaying more posters, increased social media/website posts and other online activity will get the message to those who would most certainly like to join us – if only they got to know that we are here!

 

PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JAZZWORLD!

Advertising is continuing - in the ‘Triangle’ & ‘Norwich Puppet Theatre’ magazines (here in Norwich) and also (from October onwards) within a publication called ‘Village People’ – which shall reach areas such as Attleborough, Hethersett & Wymondham areas.

Posters & flyers continue to appear across the City. I keep an eye on the City ones (and pay for some of these – that are in key locations). I would welcome any help to get Posters on display in your area?

Thank you to those who have already assisted with this poster & flyer campaign, this is very much appreciated. I shall bring in a fresh supply of A4 & A5 flyers/posters to our first session on Sat/14th

If you would like any posters or flyers to pass on to friends or to display please do let me know. 

I look forward to seeing you soon,

David

 

SaxWorld  & JazzWorld - Summer Term 2024

 

Hello again and welcome to another exciting term!

Here’s some News & Information for the Summer term - please keep as a handy reference.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR SUMMER TERM 2024

SaxWorld & JazzWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 20th April and will end on Saturday 6th July (last day of rehearsals and the day of our ‘SaxWorld & JazzWorld’ Summer Concert’) - at St Anne’s ‘Crossroads’ Church.

My plan for Saturday 6th July is that we hold our usual rehearsals in the morning, break for the afternoon and regather around 5.00 pm to set up and then hold the concert at 6.00 pm. We shall enjoy two 60 min programs of music with a 45 min Interval (ending our evening around 8.45 pm).

Our rehearsal session will also be held in the Church, so that we can set up and leave ready for the evening.

Half Term: There will be no SaxWorld & JazzWorld sessions on Saturday 1st June (Half term break).

You will see, from the dates listed on your Invoice, that there will also be no sessions on Saturday 11th May, and also on Saturday 22nd June. I am with Graham Kendrick for both weekends, playing for events in Holland and in Swindon. I shall also be playing with Graham & his band in Ipswich (CRBC/Friday 12th July) & Norwich (NCBC/Saturday 13th July)

 

SAXWORLD & JAZZWORLD DATES FOR SUMMER TERM

Saturday - April 20th, 27th /May: 4th, 11th, 25th /June: 8th, 15th, 29th /July: 6th (last day & ‘Summer Concert’)

 

SUMMER TERM SESSION INVOICES

You will find all rehearsal session dates on your Invoice, along with BACS details (at the top of your Invoice - if you prefer to make payments for your lessons electronically). You have an option to pay your Invoice in full or monthly.

I would ask that you do commit to paying for the full term please (even if you cannot attend every session).

I appreciate your help and support with this, as your fees will go toward room hire costs, advertising fees & purchase of music & equipment. All very necessary, especially at this building stage.

 

New Pupils for SaxWorld & JazzWorld: Our Saxophone ensembles have continued to grow and become very well established. There are still a few spaces and so we are very glad to welcome new members this term.

Welcome to Jack, who will be joining the Alto 2 Section for Saxology and playing Keyboard with Jazzology.

Erik will be moving over from Saxology to Jazzology on Tenor 2, with Rachel on Tenor 1.

Welcome also to Ant, who joined us on Guitar for our Narthex ‘Spring Concert’ and made a huge difference to our sound! For our ‘Jazz In The Barn’ event (Saturday 8th June) I am hoping that Ant will join Deborah for some vocals – on numbers such as YMCA & Sweet Caroline! (and get the crowd going on these ones!).

 

New Pupils for JazzWorld: As with SaxWorld in the early days, we are still at the beginning stages! We do have a good number of Saxophonists within JazzWorld and very close to completing our Rhythm section.

Our focus now is to build our numbers among the Brass Section (we need at least one more Trumpet and one or two Trombones). Until then, I shall cover Trumpet 2 parts on B flat Soprano. This will make a difference to the balance between Saxes & Trumpets. Charlotte, who is such a valuable and much appreciated lead Trumpet, will be released from having to cover Trumpet 1 & 2 parts!

 

PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JAZZWORLD!

Advertising has started once again (in the ‘Triangle’ & ‘Norwich Puppet Theatre’ magazines). I am also looking at another publication called ‘Market Place’, an EDP publication that is being re-launched in May and will cover Attleborough, Diss & Wymondham.

Posters & flyers continue to appear across the City. I keep an eye on the City ones (and pay for some of these – such as the Paper shop opposite Jarrolds, which is a key location).

PLEASE DO LOOK FOR ANY OPPORTUNITY TO POST OUR EXCELLENT NEW FLYER IN YOUR AREA (copy attached). Thank you to those who have assisted with this poster & flyer campaign, this is very much appreciated. I shall bring in a fresh supply of A4 & A5 flyers/posters to our first session on Sat/20th

If you would like any posters or flyers to pass on to friends or to display please do let me know. 

 

Now that we have established the right three ensembles I believe that we have something truly unique and valuable on which to build. I very much look forward to seeing the changes as we move through this term and the rest of 2024. I also look forward to one day establishing our 4th ensemble – Junior Jazzology…

I look forward to seeing you soon,

David

 

SaxWorld & JazzWorld - Spring Term 2024

Hello again,

A Happy New Year and welcome to a new term!

SaxWorld

There will be more changes to both of our Saxophone ensembles this term, as some members move on from Junior Saxology to Saxology and new members join us also.

For our first rehearsal we shall be looking at pieces from our growing set lists. Some of these will be ‘old favourites’ to some. We do need to look at these, so that new members especially get the chance to settle in and are able to become familiar with their music. We shall then look at new pieces.

So, this is what I propose to start looking at for our first rehearsal back:

Junior Saxology:

Cantaloupe Island, Londonderry Air, Solitude, Someone to Watch Over Me, Subway, Yesterday

Saxology:

Easy Winners, Life on Mars, Mas Que Nada, Peacherine Rag, Tango, We Are The Champions

I am also open to any other requests from the list.

Jazzology:

Ain’t Misbehavin’, All Blues, Basin Street Blues, Birdland, Blue Train, Curtain Call Blues (for mass improv’)

St Louis Blues

Open to requests from the list also.

PLEASE DO LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED MUSIC!

I shall get this to you right away.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR SPRING TERM

SaxWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 6th September and will end on Saturday 16th March (our last day of rehearsals & the evening of our Spring Concert at the Narthex).

REHEARSAL TIMES:

Junior Saxology (9.00-10.00 am) /Saxology (10.15-11.15 am) /Jazzology (11.30-12.30 pm)

Half Term: We shall break for Half Term and so there will be no SaxWorld sessions on Saturday 17th & 24th February. Half term break is from Saturday 17th – Sunday 25th February for most Schools.

 

WINTER TERM SESSION INVOICES – Pay only 50% for your second ensemble

You will find all rehearsal session dates on your Invoice, along with BACS details (at the top of your Invoice - if you prefer to make payments for your lessons electronically). You have an option to pay your Invoice in full or monthly.

You will see that I am continuing to a second ensemble for half the cost of the first.

It is only £5.00 per rehearsal session to play in your second chosen ensemble. I am doing this for two reasons:

  1. I understand the current economic situation and so am responding to this.
  2. I want to encourage my Saxophone players to experience the unique benefit of being within SaxWorld & also JazzWorld. Each of these are so different, offering specific challenge and an ocean of repertoire to explore.

SPRING CONCERT: Saturday 16th March (6.30 – 9.00 pm)

The Narthex/Cathedral of St John The Baptist Earlham Road, Norwich

This will be a seamless evening of music from our Soloists, SaxWorld & JazzWorld Ensembles

The main hall will be set out in a Jazz Café style, with tables & chairs. I am inviting everyone to bring and share food & refreshments (light snacks, cakes, savouries & bakes etc..). These will be laid out on tables at the back of the Hall, so that everyone can enjoy these throughout the concert. The Café will also be open, to serve hot & cold drinks. This is a lovely space, looking out into the Cathedral garden and might be a welcome alternative during the evening – you will still be able to hear the music I’m sure.

So, please start thinking about what you might like to play for this event. We can then go to work and get your solo piece prepared.

We shall also be piecing together a program for each ensemble and need to make decisions about these by half term! - Just 5 rehearsal sessions before we do break for half-term).

For more information on The Narthex & St John’s please visit: https://www.sjbcathedral.org.uk/the-narthex/

More details to follow regarding this event, but please do make a note in your diary. Thanks

My best wishes to you for another good term.

I look forward to seeing you once again,

David

 

SaxWorld & JazzWorld - Winter Term 2023

Hello & welcome to a new term and the 3rd year of SaxWorld!

Summer term saw the launch of JazzWorld. After just a few weeks of being formed we now have two wonderful Trumpet players & also a dynamic new Drummer on board.  We are so grateful to our new members - these changes to our line-up have made such a difference.

I am hoping that we might now attract more brass (especially Trombones). We especially need a Bass player, Guitarist & Keyboard player. I know they will come and so it is worth waiting for the right people to apply. I would like to invite any vocalists to join us also.

At present JazzWorld consists of just one ensemble – Jazzology. This band is designed for the more advanced player - of Grade 5 (approximately) and above as we are exploring more advanced Jazz repertoire, along with Jazz improvisation and so good reading skills and technical proficiency are needed.

In time it is my intention to add another ensemble – Junior Jazzology. This ensemble will be for those who are at the early stages of playing but would really like to add Jazz to their learning experience. I have directed both Junior Jazz & more advanced Jazz ensembles over the years, within Schools and Music Schools, and these have been hugely enjoyable and successful.

The difference with all of our ensembles is that they are open to aspiring musicians of all ages and abilities, with each ensemble assisting each player to journey through a progressive learning experience.

SaxWorld

There will be changes to both of our Saxophone ensembles this term, as members move on from Junior Saxology and join either Saxology or Jazzology.

We shall see new members coming into our ensembles also and so this term will offer the chance for everyone to find their place and to settle into their new environment.

The key thing is that we are here for one another. SaxWorld & JazzWorld are both friendly and positive places to be, a community of mutual care and encouragement.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR WINTER TERM

SaxWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 9th September and will end on Saturday 9th December (our last day of rehearsals).

REHEARSAL TIMES:

Junior Saxology (9.00-10.00 am) /Saxology (10.15-11.15 am) /Jazzology (11.30-12.30 pm)

Half Term: We shall break for Half Term and so there will be no SaxWorld sessions on Saturday 21st & 28th October. Half term break is from Saturday 21st – Sunday 29th Oct’ for most Schools (21st Oct’ – 7th Nov’ for Norwich School).

WINTER TERM SESSION INVOICES – Changes to Session Fees

You will find all rehearsal session dates on your Invoice, along with BACS details (at the top of your Invoice - if you prefer to make payments for your lessons electronically). You have an option to pay your Invoice in full or monthly.

You will see that I am now offering a second ensemble for half the cost of the first.

 It is only £5.00 per rehearsal session to play in your second chosen ensemble. I am doing this for two reasons:

  1. I understand the current economic situation and so am responding to this.
  2. I want to encourage my Saxophone players to experience the unique benefit of being within SaxWorld & also JazzWorld. Each of these are so different, offering specific challenge and an ocean of repertoire to explore.

PLEASE do all that you can to be a part of both SaxWorld & JazzWorld. As many have learned over the years, you will greatly benefit and truly enjoy so much from each of these different worlds of music.

I would say that Saxology is foundational for improving reading skills especially, which are so needed within a Jazz ensemble also.

New Events for SaxWorld: Last term ended with a magnificent ‘Summer Concert’ at St Anne’s Church. We had a packed house with each performance receiving enthusiastic applause! Thanks to you all and to our wonderful community of helpers, cooks & bakers - we were also treated to a banquet during the interval. Thanks to the improved weather we were able to gather in the grounds as well as the Church Hall.

This term we are holding our Christmas Concert at ‘Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden’ in South Walsham on Saturday 25th November (4.30 – 7.30 pm)

Each year ‘Fairhaven’ hold their Christmas Market and famous ‘Christmas Lights Walk’, where the gardens are lit up by glowing Christmas lights and visitors can follow the trail and ‘spot the hidden twinkles through the trees’. Do look at the Fairhaven website for more information:

https://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/

We shall hold our Concert in a specially constructed Marquee, where there will also be Christmas themed stalls. Our concert will be informal, designed for the occasion – with lots of seasonal pieces included from our ensembles and soloists.

More details to follow regarding this event, but please do make a note in your diary. Thanks

My best wishes to you for another good term.

I look forward to seeing you once again,

David

 

SaxWorld  & JazzWorld - Summer Term 2023

 

Hello again, and welcome to Summer Term!

 

Not long to go now…

 

Here’s some News & Information for the Summer term - please keep as a handy reference.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR SUMMER TERM 2023

SaxWorld & JazzWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 22nd April and will end on Saturday 15th July (last day of rehearsals and the day of our ‘SaxWorld & JazzWorld’ Summer Concert’).  

I am grateful to St Anne’s Crossroads Church for hosting us. I believe that we have an excellent and suitable venue for SaxWorld & JazzWorld. 

Summer Concert at St Anne’s Church: I am very pleased to confirm that we shall be holding this year’s Summer Concert at St Anne’s Crossroads Church.

My plan for Saturday 15th July is that we hold our usual rehearsals in the morning, break for the afternoon and regather around 5.00 pm to set up and then hold the concert at 6.30 pm. We could have two 60 min programs of music with a 30 min Interval (ending our evening around 9.00 pm).

Please do let me know if this sounds good and that you can be with us for this last session of Summer term and for the Evening Concert also.

For more information on Earlham Church (Crossroads Network): https://www.earlham.church/

Half Term: There will be no SaxWorld & JazzWorld sessions on Saturday 6th May (King Charles III Coronation weekend) & Saturday 3rd June (Half term break).

Usually we take a two week break over half term, but I have reduced this to one week (3rd June) as we are already losing one Saturday (6th May) due to the Coronation Weekend. 

New Pupils for SaxWorld: Our Saxophone ensembles have grown and become well established. There are still some spaces and so we are very glad to welcome new members this term.

New Pupils for JazzWorld: As with the early days of SaxWorld, we are at the beginning stages with JazzWorld! We do have a good number of Saxophonists on board but do need to build our numbers among the Brass & Rhythm Sections especially. We do welcome our first new members, on Trumpet & Piano/Keyboard.

So, if you are a Brass player (Trumpet or Trombone), Pianist/Keyboard player or Bassist (Electric or String Bass), Guitarist or Drummer/Percussionist you are especially welcome!

PLEASE DO PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JAZZWORLD :-)

Now that we have established the right three ensembles I believe that we have something truly unique to offer all aspiring musicians and some of value on which to build.

I very much look forward to seeing the changes as we move through this term and the rest of 2023.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

David (April 2023)

 

SaxWorld - Winter Term 2022

                                                                           

Hello,

Welcome to a new term and the 2nd year of SaxWorld!

We have accomplished such a lot throughout this initial year - you have been truly amazing.

As we enter this new term, I have made some changes to our ensembles. Quartz is resting at present, as I consider how best to proceed with this Premier ensemble (which had grown to 9 members!).

My plan is for this ensemble to reduce in number and (when reassembled) will be a Quartet - four players only (including myself on Soprano).

This ensemble will include members who have reached an advanced standard (Gr 8 +), are committed, disciplined players with true technical & musical ability, who wish to explore advanced repertoire within a unique ensemble (composing of Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones). More on this in due course.

Meanwhile, SaxWorld continues to grow and to develop, with each ensemble finding its own identity and playing strength - as individual players become a team.

My main focus for this term will be to assist Junior Saxology (9 members at present) and Saxology (7 members at present) to reach capacity (10 players in each ensemble) and to move further forward, exploring new music and reaching new standards.

I can promise you – the next few weeks will be fun and you will continue to love your Saturday morning experience and being with your fellow SaxWorld members.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR WINTER TERM

 

SaxWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 10th September and will end on Saturday 10th December (our last day of rehearsals and the day of our SaxWorld & Pupils’ ‘Christmas Concert’).  

 

NEW REHEARSAL TIMES: Junior Saxology (9.00-10.00) & Saxology (10.30-11.30)

 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT at St Anne’s Church: following our first SaxWorld & Pupils’ Christmas Concert in December 2021 I am very pleased to confirm that we shall be holding our 2nd Christmas Concert at St Anne’s Crossroads Church (Earlham Parish & part of the new Crossroads network - STN/St Thomas Norwich group of Churches).

Once again we shall enjoy Solo performances and a Program of music (some of this Seasonal) from our Junior Saxology & Saxology ensembles.

CATERING & HELPERS: Thank you especially to our team of helpers, who were so kind to prepare and then serve such a wonderful Christmas buffet for our interval last year. This was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all.

I was wondering if we might relax things a little for this second Christmas event and keep our refreshments light and easy for our Interval (hot & cold drinks, along with some seasonal goodies – mince pies & perhaps some seasonal savouries). Please let me know if you can assist with this? Thank you very much.

My plan for Saturday 10th December is that we hold our usual rehearsals in the morning, break for the afternoon and regather around 5.00 pm to set up and then hold the Concert at 6.30 pm. We shall have two 60 min programs of music with a 30 min Interval (ending our evening around 9.00 pm).

Please do let me know if this sounds good and that you can be with us for this last session of Winter term and for the Evening Concert also.

For more information on Earlham Church (Crossroads Network): https://www.earlham.church/

Half Term: We shall break for half term and so there will be no SaxWorld sessions on Saturday 22nd & 29th October. Half term break is from Saturday 22nd Oct’ – Sunday 30th Oct’ for most Schools (22nd Oct’ – 7th Nov’ for Norwich School).

 

SUMMER TERM SESSION INVOICES

 

You will find all rehearsal session dates on your Invoice, along with BACS details (at the top of your Invoice - if you prefer to make payments for your lessons electronically). You have an option to pay your Invoice in full or monthly.

 

COSTINGS: I am grateful to St Anne’s Crossroads Church for hosting us. I believe that we have an excellent and suitable venue for SaxWorld and established a good relationship with this Church.

 

In addition to hire fees, I regularly purchase music for each ensemble & also cover the cost of marketing/advertising.

 

Therefore, even if you cannot make certain dates during the term, I would ask that you commit to paying for the full term please. I appreciate your help and support.

 

New Pupils for SaxWorld:

With the restructuring of our ensembles, saying goodbye to some of our Quartz members and hello to new members this term, there are still some spaces remaining at present - for Junior Saxology & Saxology, and so please do PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT SAXWORLD!

 

New Events for SaxWorld: So far, we have held two excellent workshop sessions - the most recent being with JJ (Jonathan Jolly) and have enjoyed two wonderful concerts also (Christmas & Summer).

Some members have also played for one or two other events at St Anne’s Church.

Janet Nelson, our events coordinator, has been looking at possibilities for additional SaxWorld events and will be sharing something of what these might be.

Once again, your ideas and recommendations would also be greatly valued.

I think that what we have in mind is to play (in addition to our own Concerts) for occasional events in the community and this is what Janet will speak of soon.

 

My best wishes to you for another good term.

 

I look forward to seeing you once again,

 

David

 

SaxWorld - Summer Term 2022

Hello again,

I do hope that you are having a good Easter break and enjoying this wonderful weather!

I want to thank you for all that you bring to each and every weekly session. Thank you also for your commitment and for being a part of this growing community of players.

You play an important & unique role, not only in what you contribute in your playing but in character also.

We have accomplished a great deal in these first two terms. We continue to grow and to develop, with each ensemble finding its own identity and playing strength - as individual players become a team.

I have already sent new music to Quartz and will be sending fresh pieces to each ensemble this coming week, in readiness for our first rehearsal session on Saturday.

Here’s some News & Information for the Summer term - please keep as a handy reference.

You will see that there is an awkward gap in our weekly sessions (weekend of the 2nd July). I do apologise but I am away for important concerts that weekend (with Graham Kendrick, someone I have worked with since the 1980’s). This is why we are holding our final session on the 9th July (and not at the end of June).

 

MAIN POINTS FOR SUMMER TERM

SaxWorld Rehearsal Sessions: will commence on Saturday 23rd April and will end on Saturday 9th July (last day of rehearsals and the day of our ‘SaxWorld & Pupils’ Summer Concert’).  

Sunday 19th June (2.30 - 5.00 pm) Summer Concert at St George’s Church, Methwold: following our first SaxWorld & Pupils’ Concert (in December 2021) I am very pleased to confirm that we shall be holding our Summer Concert at St George’s Church in Methwold, at the invitation of the Revd Ray Burman. This beautiful is a 12th c Grade 1 Listed Building set within a conservation area.

Thank you especially to our team of helpers, who were so kind to prepare and then serve such a wonderful Christmas buffet for our interval. This was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all.

This event will be a Concert (of two programmes of music from our three SaxWorld ensembles and there will be a variety of solo’s from my gifted pupils. During the Interval there will be a bring & share Family Picnic in the Grounds of St George’s Church (weather permitting).

For more information on St George’s Church: http://www.methwoldhistorygroup.org.uk

Half Term: We shall break for half term and so there will be no SaxWorld sessions on Saturday 28th May & 4th June. Half term break is from Saturday 28th May – Sunday 6th June for most Schools (28th May – 7th June for Norwich School).

New Pupils for SaxWorld: 

We have grown very quickly and welcomed new members to SaxWorld last term.

There are some spaces remaining at present, for each ensemble, and so please do PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT SAXWORLD!

New Events for SaxWorld: So far, we have held two workshop sessions - the most recent being with JJ (Jonathan Jolly) and by the end of this term we will have held two concerts also.

Some members have also played for one or two events at St Anne’s Church.

As we have such a short term ahead (and a Concert at the end of this) I felt that it would be the wrong time to start looking for more playing opportunities.

However, if you would like to suggest something else for the Summer then do please feel free to do so. There was one suggestion that we might play for the residents of an old people’s home. This would be such worthwhile event, bringing our music to people who would so appreciate and enjoy this.

Whatever you have in mind, it may suit one of our ensembles or (as in the case of the Christmas event at St Anne’s, for the Earlham community) we could assemble an ensemble for the occasion.

Janet Nelson, our events coordinator, and I shall be meeting soon to look at possibilities for SaxWorld events from September onwards and so, once again, your ideas and recommendations would be greatly valued.

My best wishes to you for another good term.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

David

  

SaxWorld - Spring Term 2022

Hello again & welcome to 2022!

First of all, I want to thank all of my members for being a part of SaxWorld and for all that you bring to each and every weekly session. You make such fine music, you show such commitment and joy in your playing!

What an AMAZING first term we have had.

Already we are at capacity with Quartz and almost up to capacity with Saxology.

As you know, to keep the right balance for each ensemble, we do have to keep to the right number (10 max for Junior Saxology & Saxology and 6 max for Quartz).

I am hopeful that we shall see continued growth with Junior Saxology. This ensemble is so very unique and has such potential.

Here’s some News & Information for the new term - please keep as a handy reference.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR SPRING TERM

Saxology Sessions: will commence on Saturday 22nd January 2022 (provisional date - all being well with the Covid variant & Government safety regulations) and will end on Saturday 26th March (last day of rehearsals and the day of our SaxWorld workshop & performance).

 

Janet Nelson/SaxWorld Events Coordinator: To ensure the smooth running of SaxWorld and to offer additional safeguarding for each ensemble Janet will continue to assist me each week. She will also begin to contact select organisations, events managers & key venues this year, bringing SaxWorld to their attention and informing them of our availability for suitable events.

Janet has many years of professional experience as a Senior Social Worker, specialising in Safeguarding, Adolescent Support as well as being a Practice Teacher for student Social Workers. Janet loves music and brings a positive & welcoming presence to SaxWorld events.

For more information do please read Janet’s bio: https://saxworld.bpweb.net/who-we-are

 

Covid-19 Safety Measures: Due to the uncertainty of the Omicron (Covid-19) variant, I have decided to delay our start state for this new term. We shall know more as we enter the New Year and be clearer as to the correct safety regulations for Schools and Music Ensembles in particular. I shall continue to keep a close eye on Government, Educational & Professional organisations (ISM & MU) for guidance and instruction.

Once underway, it would be prudent to continue with Covid-19 safety measures, for rehearsals and events, as these are not too inhibitive and do offer a measure protection from this virus (which has not left us).

I shall send our Covid safety guidelines to you with each week’s SaxWorld News & Information.

 

Adult Pupils & DBS Registration: For mixed aged ensembles I am required by law to ensure that all adult pupils (anyone over the age of 18) are registered with the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). I would like to confirm that each adult pupil, prior to attending any SaxWorld rehearsal or event, will have been screened and registered with DBS.

 

Christmas Concert at St Anne’s Church: In December 2021 we held our first SaxWorld & Pupils’ Concert. I want to thank each and every one of you who performed, within each Ensemble and in your Solo performance also. There was such commitment, variety and musical color as we journeyed through each musical item.

I especially loved the shift between the various ensembles and more intimate solo pieces. This worked well.

Thank you especially to our team of helpers, who lovingly prepared and then served such a wonderful Christmas buffet for our interval. This was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all.

 

Half Term: We shall break for half term and so there will be no SaxWorld sessions on Saturday 12th & 19th February. Half term break is from Saturday 12th – Sunday 20th for most Schools (12th – 20th February for Norwich School).

 

New Pupils for SaxWorld: We have grown very quickly and welcomed new members last term.

We are almost at capacity with Saxology (only a couple of places available at present).

Quartz is now full (a waiting list is open to potential new members).

Junior Saxology has spaces at present (do please get in touch to find out more about this very fine ensemble).

I am committed to SaxWorld. I see these new Ensembles as being a part of the regional objective of building back and seeing music flourish within the lives of many once more.

This is our hope within SaxWorld. This is what I and my professional colleagues across the UK are committed to.

 

PLEASE PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT SAXWORLD!

If you would like any posters or flyers to pass on to friends or to display please do let me know. Thank you.

 

My best wishes to you for another good term. I look forward to seeing you soon,

 

David

 

December 2021

 

 

Winter Term 2021  News & Information

Hello & greetings,

Well, here we are at the beginning of a whole new journey!

First of all, thank you for joining me as we start to unfold these new ensembles for Norfolk. You are fellow pioneers and a very important part, indeed the foundation of what will become SaxWorld.

I stated initially that building these ensembles will take time, especially so as we slowly but surely come out of this Covid season.

There is no doubt that very severe damage has been done to the music world this last year or so, and this includes music education. Therefore, helping to get music ensembles up and running again, so that we can all enjoy this unique experience of making music together, is so very important - for us musicians and for those who will listen also.

Music is vital for our wellbeing and for our lives in general. This is universally known and accepted within any civilised society.

Here’s some News & Information for you - please keep as a handy reference.

 

MAIN POINTS FOR WINTER TERM

Saxology Sessions: will commence on Saturday 11th September and will end on Saturday 11th December (last day of rehearsals and the day or our first SaxWorld concert).

 

Janet Steed/SaxWorld Events Coordinator: To ensure the smooth running of SaxWorld and to offer additional safeguarding for each ensemble I am very pleased to confirm that Janet will be assisting me each week. Not only is Janet an aspiring Saxophonist, with ABRSM Grade 5 (Classical & Jazz) under her belt, she has many years of professional experience as a Senior Social Worker, specialising in Safeguarding, Adolescent Support as well as being a Practice Teacher for student Social Workers. Janet loves music and will bring a positive & welcoming presence to SaxWorld events.

For more information please read Janet’s bio: https://www.saxworld.co.uk/who-we-are

 

Covid-19 Safety Measures: For the present I think that it would be prudent to continue with Covid-19 safety measures, for rehearsals and events, as these are not too inhibitive and do offer a measure protection from this virus (which has not left us).

I am hoping that it will not be too long before we can relax these and will be guided by future Government & Educational Authorities/NS notices. I shall send you my revised Covid safety measures for SaxWorld prior to our first rehearsal.

 

Adult Pupils & DBS Registration: For mixed aged ensembles I am required by law to ensure that all adult pupils (anyone over the age of 18) are registered with the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). I would like to confirm that each adult pupil, prior to attending any SaxWorld rehearsal or event, will have been screened and registered with DBS.

 

Half Term: We shall break for half term and so there will be no SaxWorld sessions on Saturday 30th October. Half term break is one week long this term: 23rd – 31st Oct for most Schools (21st Oct – 2nd Nov for Norwich School).

 

SaxWorld Winter/Christmas Recital: It is my plan to weave solo performances into planned SaxWorld end of term concerts, which I do hope will be at the end of each term – the first being on Saturday 11th December at St Anne’s Church, Colman Road, Norwich.

So, for the next few weeks we shall be piecing together a number of suitable items for the Concert, from each ensemble. Also, if you would like to play a solo (either with Piano or Backing Track) do please let me know. I shall start to assemble the programme soon and will put out all details regarding the Concert by half term.

 

New Pupils for SaxWorld: Thankfully, we do have sufficient number to make both Saxology & Quartz work at the start. My key objective is to now build Junior Saxology and this is going to take time. 

I am committed to this new venture. I see these new ensembles as being a VITAL part of the objective of building back and seeing music flourish within the lives of many once more. That is our hope and that is what I and my colleagues across the UK are committed to.

SO - PLEASE PASS THE WORD!

If you would like any posters or flyers to pass on to friends or to display please do let me know. You can have as many as you like.

Thank you

I shall be in touch weekly with new music and notes for each rehearsal session. Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

My best wishes to you for another good term, David

3rd September 2021

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