The SAX SCHOOL Weekender 2020
Join Nigel McGill and the Sax School team for a weekend of playing, learning and connecting in beautiful Yorkshire!
Sat 3rd-Sun 4th October | Huddersfield, UK
WHY ATTEND THIS WEEKEND?
Ready for a massive boost to your saxophone technique and confidence? This fun and playing packed weekend will give you direct access to Nigel and his team, plus the opportunity to connect with other learners from around the country and the world!
LEARN SKILLS
Develop your playing skills and musical knowledge with the packed itinerary of playing and learning.
BUILD CONFIDENCE
Unlock your playing potential with ensemble sessions, improv classes and workshops in a friendly and fun environment.
CONNECT AND SHARE
Meet other players from around the country and build relationships with fellow saxophone learners.
SESSIONS FOR EVERYONE
If you are a beginner or a seasoned jammer, you will love the clear step-by-step group sessions with other players just like you.
Connect with other players as you learn skills that will transform your saxophone playing.
Why our students LOVE the Weekender:
HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU:
There is a full schedule of playing and learning for you both days between 9am and 5pm, plus an evening session on Saturday night!
You will learn:
✪ Warmup skills and techniques to boost your tone.
✪ Aural and timing skills with Ensemble Sessions (suitable for all levels)
✪ Improvising skills and put them to use in workshops and jam sessions.
✪ Playing skills and tactics from world class guest teachers.
✪ In-person Q&A sessions with Nigel and the team.
I learned a lot...
I really enjoyed playing the tunes and getting the chance to improvise. Plus Nigel, Carl and Anthony were excellent!
Jo Preston
The Weekender was 10/10...
The whole event was such a well thought out, wonderfully presented and good fun experience!
Windy Miller
I feel like a totally different player...
I've taken so much away from the Weekender - the inspiration to practice and ways to focus on things I'd never thought about. Thank you!
Melanie Taylor
Who is this event for?
Alto, Tenor, Soprano and Bari
Beginner Sax Players
intermediate players
WANT TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR TONE
WANT TO DEVELOP IMPROVISING
"The balance was just right..."
"The balance between playing exercises / technique / theory was just right...it was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile weekend!"
Rhod Cox
"I absolutely loved it!"
"The Weekender gave me lots of ideas to try when I got home and the confidence I needed to just give things a go."
Heather Perry
"It's given me more confidence..."
"I was apprehensive about coming...it's the first time I've played in a band but it wasn't as difficult as I thought!"
Andy Davidson
Your Tutors
Nigel McGill
Nigel will be presenting sessions and will be on hand to help you throughout the weekend.
Carl Raven
Carl teaches saxophone and improvisation at the RNCM and is a member of the Apollo Sax Quartet. He is also one of the top classical players in the UK.
Jim Corry
Jim teaches at the Leeds College of Music and has toured with a "who's who" of pop artists including Jamiroquai, Corrine Bailey Rae and Mark Ronson.
Chris Camm
Chris from the Sax School team is an active performer and educator in the UK. He will be on hand to help you over the Weekender!
LOCATION & VENUE
Join us in the heart of Yorkshire at Storthes Hall, Huddersfield.
Storthes Hall is part of the Huddersfield University student campus and is set in 44 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Your Sax School Weekender sessions will take place in the Hall. Included with your registration fee are all meals from arrival on Saturday morning until we close the weekend at 5pm Sunday afternoon AND en-suite accommodation on Saturday night at the University Student residence right next door. This year we are also providing a full cooked breakfast on Sunday morning to get you off to a great start!
Storthes Hall is just a 20 minute drive from the M1 Jnct 38.
Storthes Hall Park, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 0WA.
Nearest train station: Wakefield Westgate
Nearest Airports: Manchester or Leeds Bradford
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely not. Although we will be using music and playing in groups, we will also be learning techniques and practical exercises you can use to improve even if you don't read music.
The Weekender is for players of all levels. Even if you have never played in a group before or struggle with your confidence on sax, please take the step to come along. It will be the best thing you've done on your saxophone, and the team and I will help you all the way through.
Beginner to intermediate players will get the most from this event. We will work through all sessions at a pace to suit you.
Yes! Also soprano and baritone players are welcome. (If you play bassoon or didgeridoo this might not be for you though!)
We do have some improvising sessions planned for the Weekender and we encourage everyone to get involved. Our improv and jamming sessions are more about developing your ear and aural skills than becoming great jazzers, so give it a go! (plus we are friendly and promise this will be fun!)
Absolutely! We have had students travel from the USA, Canada, and all over Europe to our Weekender. You are always welcome!
- One ticket to attend the two day event
- Morning tea, Lunch and Afternoon tea on both days
- Dinner on Saturday night.
- Full cooked breakfast on Sunday morning
- Single en-suite accommodation in the adjacent university accommodation building.
- Sax School shirt
Sorry, this event is strictly one ticket per person, so buy a ticket for each person you would like to attend.
Apart from your saxophone you will also need a music stand.
Really? I don't think that's an appropriate question! He will be around all weekend to answer your questions though!
