National Saxophone Day is celebrated around the world to mark the birthday of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, with an event held on the Isle of Wight this year for the very first time.
Hosted by Wight Sax, the Island’s Saxophone Choir, and Wight Diamonds Marching Band, the event was held at Carisbrooke C of E Primary School last Sunday (6th November).
30 saxophonists along with friends, family and volunteer helpers were in attendance.
The event, held from 14:30 to 15:30 in the school hall, kicked off with everyone warming their instruments up by playing ‘Frere Jacques’ and this was followed with a massed saxophone choir rendition of ‘Also Sprach Zarathrustra’ conducted by Dave Plummer and accompanied on percussion by Anna Dubicki.
Island-based saxophonists and saxophone groups played prepared pieces:
- Marie Smith and Lorna Brownsword from Music Craft C.I.C. Hub played ‘People Get Ready,’ ‘Cruella de Vil’ and ‘Misty’
- Royal Marine Bandsman Alfie Jones played an Etude and ‘The Chicken’
- Wight Diamonds Marching Band saxophonists played ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ and ‘Take On Me.’
- The Wight Sax saxophone choir played ‘Suo Gan’ and ‘Beautiful Dreamer’
- Saxophonist and guest conductor for the day, Dave Plummer, played ‘It’s Not Unusual’ and ‘Hey Big Spender’
- “Those D.A.M.N Saxes” quartet played ‘Mr Sandman’ and ‘Sea Shanty’
- The Wight Sax Jazz Club with Anna Dubicki on drums played ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’ and ‘Blue Moon’
- All Things Music played ‘Sound of Silence’ and ‘Theme from Pirates of the Caribbean’
Wight Sax Jazz Club co-ordinator Mike Coughlin introduced special guest Island based international saxophonist Gary Plumley.
Gary talked about how he came to focus on the saxophone as well as playing clarinet and flute and his approach to practice and improvisation. Gary has played around the world with well known artists such as Derek Nash (Sax Appeal), the late George Michael, The Four Tops, Gary Barlow, The Cure, Pete King, and Don Weller. Gary then led everyone in playing and jamming around the well-known blues number ‘St James’ Infirmary.’
The grand finale for the event was a massed saxophone choir with players sat in order of their instruments – Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone – to play ‘Harry’s Game’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ conducted by Dave Plummer and accompanied by percussionist Anna Dubicki.
National Saxophone Day? I’m not knocking it, but next there’ll be National Cabbage Day, National Spider Day, National Tree Day. I suppose with a recession looming, a special day every day keeps people’s minds off the troubles of the world.
There probably already is, however. 6th November has been in the saxophonist diary for many years. We had a great day, just playing music, learning from each other and generally just having some fun! A huge thank you to everyone you organised it and attended!
Why don’t you pop it in your diary and come along next year, at the very least you’d get a cup of tea and a biscuit! And, it’s totally free!
National Saxophone day happens on the birthday of Adolphe sax, the inventor of the saxophone. Loads of events all over the world and lots of fun for everyone who attended. Watch this space for next years event.
national spider day -14/03/2020
national tree WEEK – 26/11/2022 – 05/12/2022
national cabbage day – 17/02/annual
Got my decs for tree week up already 🙂