Ensembles

Clarinets: Mondays 19.00-20.30

Saxophones (beginner/intermediate): Wednesdays 19.00-20.30

Saxophones (advanced): Thursdays 19:00-20:30

Originally formed to cater for the needs of our own students, these groups are now open to anyone who wishes to benefit from our substantial music library and expert coaching. The purpose is to provide a relaxed social atmosphere whilst enabling ensemble sensibilities to be developed in a professional yet friendly manner. There is a strong emphasis on sound quality and refinement with a view towards occasional informal performance. The repertoire for all groups mainly comprises classical, light and jazz music spanning almost five hundred years, generally in bespoke arrangements based on individual members' abilities.

Our beginner/intermediate saxophone group, which meets on Wednesdays, is specifically designed to allow players with little or no experience to develop ensemble playing skills in a relaxed, pressure-free environment, and is open to anyone of around Grade 1 standard up to Grade 5. A wide range of musical styles is covered with works from baroque and classical masters including Bach, Haydn and Mozart through to contemporary composers such as Karen Street and Howard Goodall with parts being tailored to suit individual needs. This group does not aspire directly to public performance unless specifically requested by members and we will be pleased to welcome new players of appropriate standard without audition.

The Windrush Saxophonic meets on Thursdays and is a well balanced ensemble currently in SAATTB format made up of players of approximately Grade 6 standard and above. The group covers an expanding repertoire of music spanning almost five centuries including music by Susato, Handel, Mozart, Elgar, Ravel, Vaughan Williams, Gershwin, Loewe, McCartney, Bacharach among others, as well as works by Colin Cowles written especially for the group. Local performances, especially in collaboration with other groups, are a regular part of the diary and the next scheduled event is a Christmas concert on 10th December 2023 with The Faringdon Singers in which the group will perform a selection from its repertoire in addition to accompanying the carols. Prospective new players of an appropriate standard are welcome to get in touch for an informal chat.

Cost: £10 per session

For new members, the first session (£10) is paid separately with no commitment and, if you decide to continue, the remainder of the term can then be paid in full or two installments. Anyone joining after the start of term will only pay for the appropriate number of sessions.

Rehearsals take place weekly in Sutton Methodist Church, OX29 5RT.