Summer Saxophone Spectacular

The National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain is delighted to announce its first residential course, which will take place this summer in the Weoley Hill area of Birmingham. Organised with the generous support of the Bournville Village Trust and the Weoley Hill Village Council and sponsored by Saxtet Publications, the course is open to saxophonists of all ages and standards. If you have witnessed the Birmingham-based Choir performing, you'll know of their innovative musical arrangements and stage presentation which have wowed audiences across the country. This is your chance to learn from the best!

If you join the course, you won't just be benefitting from the NSC's expertise! Their musical director Nigel Wood, their Principal Guest Conductor Richard Ingham, and acclaimed musicians Andy Scott, and Gerard McChrystal will all be on hand as instructors. The fun-packed programme will feature a range of activities, including playing exciting repertoire and learning how to deliver vibrant performances. Foremost, it will offer the rewards of playing within an ensemble and meeting other like-minded musicians from across the country.

Participants will be able to rehearse and perform with the NSC in their Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon concerts, enhance their performance skills, learn new ensemble repertoire, and have the chance to try out the more extreme saxes in the NSC, such as the soprillo or contrabass. Of course, it won't be all work, as Bournville has many places of interest to visitors including Selly Manor & Minworth Greaves, Carillon Visitor Centre, and the River Rea Walkway/Heritage Trail. There may even be time to pay a visit to the Cadbury World (or will that be Kraft World...?)!

Residential participants will stay in Fircroft College, just a few minutes walk away from the main rehearsal spaces and venues. Meals and travel to the venues are included in the registration fee. There will also be a small bar available, where participants can recuperate at the end of the day! For more details on the facilities at Fircroft, please visit: www.fircroft.ac.uk.

Please note that lunch and dinner are provided for all participants, though breakfast will only be provided for participants staying in NSC arranged accommodation.

If you aren't able to join the full course, you can always join the National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain for one day of their Summer Saxophone Spectacular! Come along with other saxophonists for a workshop from Britain's leading saxperts, massed music making with the Choir, busking in the local area and demonstrations and taster sessions with the NSC's legendary Sax Family Octet featuring every saxophone from the gargantuan contra bass to the tiny soprillo:

Friday 13th August 2010
Start: 9am
End: 5:30pm