Image
UMass to Host 38th Annual New England Saxophone Festival and Competition
On Saturday, April 17, the UMass Amherst department of music and dancewill host the 38th Annual New England Saxophone Festival and Competition, which will take place throughout the day via Zoom video conference. The event is free and open to the public, including all saxophone players, students, enthusiasts and teachers; pre-registration information is available at UMass.edu/saxophone/festival.
Organized by UMass saxophone dtudio professors Jonathan Hulting-Cohen and Felipe Salles, the virtual festival features concerts and interactive clinics by both faculty members as well as guest artists Adam Larson (jazz), and husband and wife duo Otis and Haruko Murphy (classical). The day-long event includes the 6th Annual Gerry’s Music High School Competition, where winners will earn prizes like pro gear and gift certificates from Gerry's Music Shop.
Saxophonists of all skill levels were invited to take part in master classes and the always-popular Community Saxophone Ensemble (no deadline to participate), where players can rehearse and perform with participants from all over New England. The festival will also feature a range of participatory events and equipment exhibitions that are sure to appeal to saxophone players of all levels and interests.
The festival culminates with two virtual performances by this year’s guest artists - jazz sax artist Adam Larson at 7 p.m., followed by the Murphy Duo at 8 p.m.
Music teachers can earn Professional Development Points by attending the festival and taking part in two special master classes on Friday, April 16 (visit the Mass DOE page and reach out to Zach Robarge at nesaxfest@gmail.com with questions).
The sponsors of this year’s Festival and Competition are Yamaha, Conn & Selmer, Eastman, D’Addario, Gerry’s Music Shop, Silverstein Works, Rovner and the UMass Arts Council.