New Directions: The Saxophone Quartet in the 21st Century
Transcript of New Directions: The Saxophone Quartet in the 21st Century
New Directions: The Saxophone Quartet in the 21st CenturyTMEA, 14 FEB 2015SPONSORED BY ANDREAS EASTMAN & LÉGÈRE REEDS LTD.
The Texas Saxophone Quartet◦ Don Fabian, soprano (SMU, Dallas Winds)◦ David Lovrien, alto (Dallas Winds)◦ Chris Beaty, tenor (Texas A&M-Commerce)◦ John Sweeden, baritone (Dallas Winds)◦ Kevin Luken, djembe
Overview◦ Some basics (tuning, warm-up, vibrato)◦ Improving your chamber music program◦ The UIL PML Class I list◦ 21st century sax quartet
◦ The technology◦ The music
Leadership◦ Encourage democratic decision-making, but
establish 1-2 leaders for organizing◦ Everyone is a leader◦ Everyone is a follower◦ Everyone’s voice is valuable
Select Appropriate Music◦ #1 factor: Rehearsal time available◦ Choose music that challenges but doesn’t cause
undue stress or demands
Breathe Together◦ Inhale together for all unison entrances◦ Even string & percussion ensembles!◦ One of many physical cues that promotes
synchronization
Encourage Independence◦ Ensemble must learn to perform without you (the
teacher)◦ Avoid conducting (or gradually reduce over time)◦ You are a coach – you can’t enter the playing field
during the game
Embrace Technology◦ Record run-throughs on iPad or smartphone
◦ Video as well as audio◦ Encourage self-assessment, but advise also
Build Performance Experience◦ Plan a pre-solo & ensemble concert with a friendly
audience◦ Perform at community events◦ Prepared kids *want* to play!
Arrivée de la Reine de Sabbat (Arrival of the Queen of Sheba)HANDEL, ARR. JEAN-YVES FOURMEAUPUBLISHER: BILLAUDOT
21st Century Sax Quartet: Technology◦ Embrace it!◦ Growth of Asian instrument manufacturers
◦ Andreas Eastman saxophones◦ Near-perfect synthetic reeds
◦ Légère