Members of Market Harborough’s Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra were recently treated to an online masterclass from their Patron Gerard McChrystal. The session covered practice techniques, use of relaxed curved fingers and a relaxed mindset for ease of playing, how the brain plays such a big part in what you think you can and can’t achieve, and valuable tips on arranging music for a saxophone oRead More…
Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra’s Christmas charity single has raised an amazing £839 for local charity Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL), more than treble the original £250 fundraising target set by the group!
The orchestra’s version of Gaudete! features 14 saxophonists playing six different types of saxophone. The accompanying YouTube video has been viewed nearly 500 times. PhoeniRead More…
Phoenix got back to fortnightly rehearsals this morning (Sunday 9 January), meeting up to have fun and make music over Zoom. These online rehearsals have been inspired by our new friends at the Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra, who very kindly allowed us to join one of their Zoom rehearsals just before Christmas to see how it’s all done! Facilitated by our MD Tony Rifugiato, we are currentRead More…
Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra has released a virtual Christmas charity single to help raise much needed funds for Harborough based charity Voluntary Action South Leicestershire. The orchestra has recorded a rousing version of the atmospheric Christmas tune Gaudete!, which was first published in the 16th Century and made famous in the 70s by English folk rock band Steeleye Span. You can downloRead More…
We’re delighted to say that we’ve had four new members join us since lockdown started. We’d like to wish a big, warm Phoenix welcome to Doris Schierer, Katie Burrows, Roger Calvert and Judith Allen – it’s great to have you on board! If you’re aged 18+, play sax to at least Grade 5 level, can read music and are interested in joining or finding out more about Phoenix, please contact us –Read More…
Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra are delighted to welcome leading music publisher Saxtet Publications as their new sponsor. This is a massive boost for the group, especially coming hot on the heels of the appointment of international saxophonist Gerard McChrystal as their patron. Saxtet Publications owner Tom Bruton said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra in Read More…
Phoenix Sax have just completed their second recording, this time complete with a live video! Eight members of the now 16 strong orchestra have recorded an arrangement of Haydn’s 39th Symphony, featuring all seven of the different types of sax played by the orchestra – from the tiny sopranino through the more commonly seen soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones to the huge bass sax aRead More…
We are absolutely delighted to announce that international saxophonist Gerard McChrystal has agreed to become Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra’s Patron! Gerard, who lives in Leicester, will act as a public figurehead for the orchestra and has agreed to help out with workshops and rehearsals, and even perform at a joint concert or two, when he’s able. “I am honoured to be invited to be PatronRead More…
While we’ve been in lockdown and unable to meet and rehearse, members of the Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra have been busy recording individual parts for Giovanni Gabrieli’s 1597 piece ‘Sacrae Symphoniae’ (Canzon per Sonar Septimi Toni à 8, Ch.172), in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and garages across the region! It’s been quite a challenge playing without a musical director and when you can’t heRead More…
Following Government advice that social gatherings should be suspended in the light of the current Coronavirus situation, Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra has suspended rehearsals until further notice. This decision was not taken lightly and is, of course, motivated by a desire to do what is best for long term health and well-being of all. Stay safe everyone.
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