C

Saxophone Choirs
By Theodore R. McDowell The tiny Elsopranino Saxophone (left) usually only has a range up to written E6, but some models have high F and Ft keys, which sound as A1-6 and A6. A sopranino can add a shimmer of brilliance to the top of a

saxophone choir,

ommunity music groups have deep roots. The book Dante, South Dakota, 1887-2000 lists a saxophone band of two sopranos, three altos, two tenors, two baritones, and a bass. As of August 2, 1915 there were still looking to add a sopranino, one more soprano and alto, a C melody sax, and an El> contrabass. This town is too small to appear in most atlases, but almost 100 years ago it was able to put together a group to play for church services and community events. Although there are several saxophone quartets operating in suburban Chicago, there are no regularly performing saxophone choirs. I have played in the Montage Saxophone Quartet since 1989, and after a few years the quartet became curious about large ensemble literature. A group member had some old Rubank transcriptions that could be played as quartets, quintets, or sextets. Our first small reading session, held in someone's home, evolved into an annual reading session. From a mailing list of 200 saxophonists 15-25 players of all ability levels come out to read through saxophone choir music for a few hours followed by pizza. The group does not perform but occasionally attracts spectators. Firsttime attendees often heard about the reading session from someone else, but our mailing list has proven to be the best way to reach people. We place a clipboard with sign-up forms on the food tables at reading sessions. When the date of the next reading session is set, we mail a flier to everyone on the list as well as college music departments, high schools, and music stores. It is a good idea to include a map on the flier. Finding basses or sopraninos can be difficult, to say nothing of finding a contrabass. Many adult saxophonists and quite a few students own more than one instrument. It is sometimes possible , to find bass saxophones buried in j school equipment rooms, and instru- i ment collectors may know who one. Players should be encouraged to! bring more than one size of instrument! to account for varying instrumentatioa j It is wise to have a conductor for aj group larger than six. If your conduct! has volunteered show gratitude with i thank you card and possible a sn honorarium.

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A search of publishers showed that a wide number of saxophone ensemble works were available, but building a substantial library can be expensive and take some hunting. Teachers and performers are often willing to share arrangements they have done, and college students, always in need of money, can sometimes be cajoled into transcribing orchestral works. Even dance band or commercial jingle arrangers may be able to provide something interesting. When searching for rehearsal space, start small. Someone with a large basement or rec room may be able to host initial gatherings. Ensemble members may have access to a church or community building, or an area music teacher may be willing to let the group use school facilities. One of our quartet members rents a small fieldhouse from the local park district. As long as a rehearsal space is left cleaner than it was found, it should be no problem to use it in the future. Although the choir we arrange does not perform, a committed group with appropriate music can find plenty of opportunities to play. Many communities sponsor summertime park concerts. Local band directors may be willing to share a concert, and fraternal organizations and clubs might provide access to their facilities in exchange for a performance for their members. During the holidays it may be possible to arrange a performance at a mall, similar to some TubaChristmas performances. Although assembling a saxophone choir for even a simple reading session can be time-consuming and expensive, it is worth it to gather a group together and play music there would otherwise be no opportunity to perform. It's also a great chance to play my new tubax. D Theodore R. McDowell has played in such groups as the Fifth Army Band, Northwest Symphony Orchestra, and Chicago Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He currently works as a freelance machinist and instrument repairman. A student of Fred Hemke and saxophone instructor at Concordia University from 1971-79, McDowell is a saxophonist with the Teddy Lee Orchestra and a free lance musician i with the Chicago Symphony, Grant Park, , Ravinia Festival, Chicago Philharmonic, and Illinois Philharmonic Orchestras as 1 well as the Chicago Lyric Opera.

The Eppelsheim & tubax (above right, played by the author) is pitched the same as a contrabass saxophone but folded into a much more compact shape, The lowest sounding note is DM.

MARCH 2008 / THE INSTRUMENTALIST

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