Hunstanton Band Stand

With the steady off shore breeze keeping us cool, but blowing our music and stands everywhere, we fastened everything down in order for our concert on the Hunstanton Band stand to begin.

People were out in force on a very hot Saturday afternoon, with people finding a shady spot to enjoy the sun, sea views and sax quartet! With help from some enthusiastic toddlers we passed the afternoon away, playing some of our favourite and new pieces to the public.

The band stand at Hunstanton has been booked for a repeat performance on Saturday 5th August 2006, 2-4pm. Hope to see you there!

Keeping it cool; in the shade of the bandstand with Hunstanton pier in the background 

Blue skies over Hunstanton green as the band plays on! 

Royal Norfolk Show

Without a cloud in the sky and the sun beaming down brightly it was evident that summer had finally arrived, and we were walking round the hundreds of stalls at the Royal Norfolk Show.

After spending the morning in the baking heat looking at everything from Bentleys to bracelets we arrvied back at the Duke of Edinburghs award stand ready to start our set. Whilst the esteemed guests tucked into their lunch we played to the public and guests alike.

Later that afternoon we returned to give a special performance, with some of the toher groups who had been playing that day,to the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward. Once the music had finished the prince came and spoke to all the performers, and we presented him with a copy of our album much to his delight.

Hopefully this will set the trend for the rest of this summers gigs, with brilliant weather and great audiences!

In full flow: playing in the sun outside the Duke of Edinburghs award lorry 

Royal Request; chatting with Prince Edward after our performance. 

The Saxophonics under the award logo 

Music Marathon

On Saturday morning we took part in the 22nd Music Marathon organised and run by the talented pianist John Harris. Over the years he has raised over £10,000 for good causes, and this year was no exception with the event predicted to break the annual £500 target.

The marathon takes place every year, since 1985, in Heacham Church Hall with (almost) non-stop music from 10am till 10pm. This year the money raised went to Multiple Sclerosis Research, Diabetes UK and Asthma Research.

We played in the morning in front of honourable guests and a thriving audience, and also sold a few CDs with proceeds going to the Marathon. A good time was had by all and big thankyou to John for inviting us to play, keep up the good work!

The Saxophonics

The Saxophonics ready to play at The Music Marathon 

Hat Trick!

Last week we once again took part in the competition for the Shorten Cup, which is part of the Norwich Music Festival. The competition is endorsed by the Shorten family to try and encourage young children to take up music, and is specifically for chamber ensembles under the age of 18.

This year there were three groups in the competition, a guitar trio, a wind quintet and ourselves. Entrants are given a 15 minute slot in which to perfrom their strongest peices in front of a specialist judge and audience.

All three groups performed to the highest standards demonstarting thier talent, skill and agillity on thier instruments. However after some deliberation the judge announced The Saxophonics to be awarded first place.

2006 will be the last year we'll be entering this competition as next year we're all over the age limit and off to university, so it was good to go out on a high!

Pictures from the event will follow soon!

The Dragoons Guards

On friday evening Lewy and Tom from The Saxophonics were lucky enough to be able to play in the sax section of the Dragoons Guards at their last christmas concert at St Nicholas church in Dereham.

After being invited to play with them at Fakenham church in October, they joined the band again at what may prove to be a historic event, as the band are being disbanded in January.

It was an amazing concert with brilliant muscians and excellent conductors maintaining the very high standards the band have established. A thoroughly enjoyable evening of challenging and crowd pleasing music.

Lewy and Tom looking smart after the concert 

The conductors of the Dragoons Guards on either side with Lewy and Tom inbetween 

The Queen Victoria

With the roast nearly done we began to play inside the cosy surroundings of the Queen Victoria Pub in Snettisham. A big thankyou to Hannah Colman for deping for Alex on tenor sax in the last few gigs at Wells and The Queen Victoria. We were met with warm applause from people in the restraunt and bar area. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food and music despite the poor weather outside preventing us form playign the beer garden.

This was meant to be Annika's last gig on soprano sax as a member of The Saxophonics, and we were all sad to see her go. However since then we have received a last minute booking this Thursday on Wells quayside! We will be playing at a charity event on the large restraunt boat mored on the quayside, raising money for the Kenyan Orphanage Trust, giving you another last chance to hear the current line up of The Saxophonics

The Saxophonics after finishing their set at the Queen Victoria, Snettisham