Sax to the Max II, Blackburn, 10th November 2007

Truly Scrumptious!

"Truly musical, truly professional, and truly educational" was the glorious description, as the NSC brought its talents and skills to the north-west for another 'Sax to the Max' workshop and concert. Saxophonists of all ages and stages descended upon Blackburn for a day of music making, staging, and general maxing out their saxes as they were coached and conducted by Richard Ingham. In the positively luxurious setting of Blackburn's Westholme School Theatre, we got to work....

The day got off to a flying start as the workshoppers were given a masterclass with Richard, coping marvellously with the tricky rhythms and demands that were asked of them. Very soon, they were on top of it and playing sweet music like another NSC altogether! Starting with a short melody which was built up from scratch, they then moved on to performing their very own blues. After a few rounds of solos from everyone, they were given time to recuperate and prepare themselves for the main event - joining the NSC on stage!

After a few short hours of rehearsal, it was time for the performance. The night began with a bang, as the Westholme School Choir treated us to bravado performance of various tunes, including hits such as Goldfinger, I Who Have Nothing, and the 007 theme. Even Shirley Bassey would have been hard-pushed to compete with them! So the Choir had a lot to live up to....

As always, the concert began with flair and drama, as Bach's Toccata and Fugue was unleashed upon the audience. Will barely a pause for breath, the Choir was off again, with the guidance of Richard's very own musical spoons, into a high-energy race through Mrs Malcolm, featuring Matt London and Dominic Lawson as soloists. So, the evening went on with the same high standard and dazzling musicianship. We were treated to some stunning solos throughout Bartok's Rumanian Dances, the soothing sound of Astor Piazzolla's Oblivion, and a rousing rendition of Elgar's Nimrod.

The Choir soon doubled in size as the workshoppers joined them for in Karen Street's Carnival. A deceptively easy piece, the newbies carried off the changing time signatures, catchy melody, and fast passages with the upmost aplomb. Not only this they, had to memorise it, choreograph it, and walk through the audience whilst playing it! Needless to say, the Choir themselves were most impressed (and even slighty jealous that they could do this with a minimum of fuss and "faffing"!). The same can be said of their efforts in Nigel Wood's Under the Veil, and Shetland Sequence. More than a little choreography and musical sensitivity was needed, and again they excelled themselves, ably helping the Choir bring the concert to a very satifying close.

So, we can justifiably label the 'Sax to the Max Mark II' a success! A learning experience was had by all, and strong musicianship across the board only added to the sense that the NSC is heading towards great things, and with up-and-coming saxophonists evident from the workshop, the sky is the limit!

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