The Saxophone Orchestra Leeds Ensemble Weekend

8th - 9th March 2025

Cost £150

Blackburn Hall, Commercial Street

Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0AW

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A full range of saxophones, played by people from all walks of life, supporting and encouraging each other … joining together through love of music and the instrument.

Following on her success with the Saxophone Orchestra Manchester, Saxophonist and Music Educator Saira Clegg is founding the Saxophone Orchestra Leeds. This brand new ensemble will meet for an intensive saxophone weekend on 8th -9th March 2025 at Blackburn Hall, Rothwell, Leeds.

The weekend will be open to saxophonist of grade 3 - 8+ (minimum grade 5 for Soprano players) and is aimed at giving adults a opportunity to play in a large saxophone ensemble.

Following on from the Saxophone Orchestra Manchester model*, this ensemble will be an inclusive experience with bespoke arrangements featuring accessible parts for emerging players (grade 3-4) as well as more challenging parts for advanced players (grade 7-8+).

*The Weekend unofficially starts on the Friday night with an optional evening meal (at additional cost). This is always a great way to meet people before we start. The doors then open at 9am on the Saturday and the day follows a timetable of group and sectional rehearsals (6.5 hours in total on the Saturday) with several, short breaks. During the Saturday there is also a small trade fair for you to enjoy during lunch. On the Sunday, we meet again for more rehearsals (5.5 hours in total) which includes a full dress rehearsal and then a short, free concert to family and friends to showcase our achievements from the Weekend. The whole course is overseen by Saira with support from her Assistant Conductor, Adam. Sectional rehearsals are run by recent graduates of the Royal Northern College of Music. The Weekend will help you improve your ensemble playing and confidence in the saxophone. You can find out even more about the Weekend by reading the article about the Saxophone Orchestra Manchester from the Clarinet and Saxophone Society magazine, Winter 2023, here.

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FAQs

Am I good enough?

As long as you can read music and are willing to do your best you will be fine. We recommend a minimum standard of grade 3 (grade 5 for Soprano players).

How many of you are there?

This will be the very first Saxophone Orchestra Leeds. Our Manchester group, founded in 2021 is already 60 strong and we hope to build the same here in Leeds

Am I too old / too young?

As long as you are able to play the saxophone and can concentrate for the rehearsal, you are fine. In Manchester the age of the players ranged from 18 - 87. Please note that the minimum age for the Saxophone Orchestra Leeds is 18.

What should I do if I can’t play everything?

Just do your best and put in as many notes as you can. Remember you are playing as part of a team and together you will be able to cover the part. We also have a small group professional saxophonists who will support us during the weekend.

What do I need to bring on the day?

You will need your saxophone and all it’s relevant bits (mouthpiece, reeds etc). You should also bring a water bottle, music stand and your music. If you wish to have a cup of tea / coffee, you may wish to bring your own mug. Some members also bring cakes that are shared out during the break. Feel free to bring one too.

Will I be able to practice the music beforehand?

Attendees will all be sent the repertoire for the weekend several months in advance. This should give all players plenty of time to learn their parts before we meet. It is vital that you look at your music ahead of the weekend as the limited rehearsals that we have should be for moulding a blended, ensemble sound. You do not have time on the weekend to learn the music from fresh.

Do I have to audition / play solos?

No. There are no auditions. Some of our pieces may contain a short solo part but there is no pressure to play these if you’re not comfortable. Solos are allocated during the weekend, normally by the sections themselves.

What part will I play?

We try to get a good even spread of players and abilities on all saxophone parts. That being said, some of the music arrangements we play also have some simplified parts that cater to all abilities. When you apply you are able to request a particular part. Please note that we do need leaders on all parts including Soprano 2, Alto 2, Tenor 2 and Baritone 2!

What kind of music do you play?

We try to play a good mix of classical, popular, film and jazz. There should be something for everyone!

I have additional needs. How can you support me?

Both Saira and the assistant conductor, Adam, are fully qualified teachers and are very experienced in supporting a range of additional needs. If you feel we may need to know about any needs you have, e.g dyslexia, visual impairment etc, please mention them on your application form or speak to Saira or Adam during the weekend course. We are an inclusive ensemble and will try to ensure that anyone can join in.

Is there parking?

There is a small car park at the Blackburn Hall. There are also plenty of other car parks nearby.

Will I know anyone?

If you don’t, you will by the end of the weekend!! If you are a bit nervous then make sure you sign up for the Friday night social meal. Normally around a third of the group come and it’s a great chance to get to meet people before the weekend starts properly on the Saturday. On a serious note, we are a friendly bunch.

Do I need to be from Leeds?

No. As long as you are willing to travel to Leeds for the weekend course, you can come.

Can I be in the Leeds and Manchester ensemble?

Being a member of SOL does not stop you from being part of any other group. In fact, we welcome and celebrate people being in more than one group…so yes, you can be in SOM and SOL, as well as others!

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