The Saxophonics

Hunstanton Band Stand

2006-07-02T17:49:00.000Z

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!

2006-07-02T17:29:00.000Z

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

2006-07-02T17:25:00.000Z

Blue skies over Hunstanton green as the band plays on!

Royal Norfolk Show

2006-07-02T17:01:00.000Z

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!

2006-07-02T16:51:00.000Z

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

2006-07-02T16:50:00.000Z

Royal Request; chatting with Prince Edward after our performance.

2006-07-02T16:46:00.000Z

The Saxophonics under the award logo

Music Marathon

2006-03-21T11:17:00.000Z

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

2006-03-20T20:54:00.000Z

The Saxophonics ready to play at The Music Marathon

Hat Trick!

2006-03-14T12:33:00.000Z

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

2005-12-17T22:19:00.000Z

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.

2005-12-17T22:14:00.000Z

Lewy and Tom looking smart after the concert

2005-12-17T22:13:00.000Z

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

The Queen Victoria

2005-08-27T20:04:00.000Z

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

2005-08-14T20:32:00.000Z

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

Wells Carnival

2005-08-13T20:23:00.000Z

On a warm summers evening we arrived at the buttlands in Wells to play an hours set as part of the carnival festivities. A decent sized crowd gathered to watch and cheer us on throughout the set, including some familiar faces from previous gigs! Another lovely summers evening!

The Saxophonics

2005-08-13T20:20:00.000Z

The Saxophonics after playing on the Buttlands at Wells Festival

Fakenham Church

2005-08-13T20:18:00.000Z

Fresh back from tour in Barcelona with Fakenham High School Jazz and Concert bands we arrived at the church ready for the gig, arrving home that morning after a 24 hours coach journey! Despite being tired we were really looking forward to the gig with the Belvoir Sax Quartet and Alistair Parnell.

The first half was a excellent mixture of sax quartets, duets, trios and solos between BSQ and Alistair crossing many different genres. We featured half way through in our own short slot and returned at the end for the joint pieces where all nine of us were playing.

As expected Alistair stole the show with his amazing rendition of Lament, which was played from memory without music, and he even managed to complete a circuit of the whole church during his performance!

At the end of the evening we all regrouped on stage and performed several numbers including the ever popular 'Celtic Suite' and 'Nina'. Despite being tired and fatigued it was one of the most enjoyable gigs of the year with brilliant saxophonists and a brilliant audience!

The Saxophonics

2005-08-12T17:03:00.000Z

Everyone on stage; BSQ, The Saxophonics and Alistair Parnell in the centre.

2005-08-12T17:00:00.000Z

The Belvoir Sax Quartet with The Saxophonics at Fakenham Church

Wells Church

2005-07-14T21:47:00.000Z

On a warm summers evening, we arrived at St Nicholas Church, Wells, to play one of our first unsupported concerts. Unfortunately Annika couldnt make it, so peripatetic music teacher Emily Britain stepped in to dep for her on soprano.

At 7.30, with a few familiar faces in the audience, we began our first set followed by an interval with delicious food and drink. By the end of our second set we were all rather warm, but happy, as the night had gone really well.

Some more dates of where you can see us next will be posted shortly.

The Saxophonics

2005-06-12T13:06:00.000Z

In full swing at St Nicholas's church

May Ball

2005-06-12T11:41:00.000Z

About 10 days ago we were delighted to be asked to play at the Fakenham May Ball.

We started playing in the marquee as people were arriving early on in the evening. After about an hour or so we finished our set to a round of applause and handed out a few business cards to guests who'd enjoyed our playing. Then it was off to Annika's for a BBQ, yet another good gig!

The Saxophonics

2005-06-12T10:28:00.000Z

The Saxophonics at the Fakenham May Ball

Hunstanton Band Stand

2005-05-03T09:18:00.000Z

It was a beautiful sunny bank holiday sunday and the crowds were out in force in Hunstanton for a sea side break. As the sun shone out from behind a cloud The Saxophonics started playing.

After a good two hour set competing against the sound of roaring Harley's and with a brilliant crowd of sun bathers, passers by and the occasional motorcyclist we packed up and headed home.

It had been the first gig we'd done in a few months for various reasons and it felt good to get out and playing again. We now have a number of dates lined up and confirmed for the summer. So lookout for them on the site soon!

The Saxophonics

2005-05-02T18:40:00.000Z

In concert, The Saxophonics blasting out some tunes in the mid days sun

2005-05-01T19:42:00.000Z

The Saxophonics after their gig at Sunny Hunny

Hellesdon High School

2005-03-21T23:21:00.000Z

On Sunday The Saxophonics made the journey into Norwich to play in the Norwich music Festival concert held at Hellesdon High School. A variety of acts made up the concert including an opera singer and solo painists. After playing three of their four competition pieces The Shorten Cup was presented to them on stage infront of a full house. Yet another fun day out for the group!

2005-03-21T23:14:00.000Z

The Saxophonics at Hellesdon high school

Debut Album

2005-03-18T16:42:00.001Z

Tonight The Saxophonics are launching their selfnamed first album "The Saxophonics" at the Fakenham High School easter concert. Including favourite tracks such as "Ja Da" and "The Pink Panther" at only £5 its a bargain. All proceeds from sales go to charity for the Barcelona band tour and Fakenham church ammenities fund. You never know it might be a number one!

The Saxophonics!

2005-03-18T16:36:00.000Z

The Saxophonics first album! Launched today!

BBC Radio Norfolk

2005-03-02T19:16:00.000Z

Today we visited the first radio station we ever featured on; BBC Radio Norfolk!

After playing a tune, we had a quick interview about our recent competitions antics and plugged the new album! A big thankyou to Nick for driving us all the way to Norwich! Yet another great day had by all!

The Saxophonics

2005-03-02T19:12:00.000Z

The Saxophonics at BBC Radio Norfolk with radio DJ Nicky Price (far right)

Shorten Cup

2005-03-01T21:46:00.000Z

Today we returned to defend our title in the Shorten Cup at Norwich Music Festival. We were in the chamber ensemble catagory against strong competition from Quintessence (wind quintet from Fakenham College), a string quartet (from Norwich) and a 'recorder,cello,harpsichord' trio (also from Norwich).

The competition was fierce and standards were very high, with participants being judged on their presentation, suitablity of music, musical ablility and perfomance.

After watching the other three ensembles in our catagory it was finally our turn to perform and after a nerve racking 15 minutes of playing the final desicion had been made.

We were joined on stage by all the other contestants to hear the judges final decision. After announcing the winners in reverse order it was revealed that we were going to hold the cup for another year!

3rd; Norwich Trio, 2nd; Quintessence, 1st; The Saxophonics

The Saxophonics; North Norfolks premiere sax quartet for another year. Hopefully we have as much luck next time!

The Saxophonics

2005-03-01T20:00:00.000Z

The Saxophonics, complete with the Shortern Cup for the second consecutive year!

BIRMINGHAM

2005-02-15T13:28:00.000Z

Last weekend we all trekked down to Birmingham for the National Sax Quartet Finals held at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

We arrived early on Sunday morning to take part in the National Saxophone Choir workshop/rehearsal run by Gemma Harvey and Nigel Wood, ready for the Gala Concert in the evening.

Shortly after this we had a final practise for 10mins before the competition started. There were 5 quartets, including us, in the final and everyone played their very best. Unfortunately we didn’t win but were beaten by a very good group called Délice from London.

Undeterred and still in a jubilant mood from the mornings excitement we had a quick snack and spent the afternoon playing all sorts of different saxophones on the stalls, ranging from the tiny Sopranino to the massive Contra Bass sax!

Next came a short rehearsal with the NSC and the world famous soloists Arno Bornkamp and Gilad Atzmon ready for the evening concert. We sat in the sell out audience of 525 for the first half, and were awestruck by the amazing talent of both the soloists! There was a mad rush to purchase their CDs in the interval and we headed up to our backstage room to get ready.

When it came to playing on stage it seemed to go ever so quickly and was a great experience, as its not everyday you get to play with world famous musicians...or even here them live!

Feeling the effects our long day, we headed off our separate ways for the long journey home. Lewy and I stayed on a little longer and listened to Pete Kings excellent set including a jam session with two upcoming musicians studying at the conservatoire, whilst Annika and Alex headed off home (a big THANKYOU to Mr Shiret who volunteered to drive them and Miss Newton to Birmingham and back!).

After the four hour journey we finally arrived home at about 2am feeling tired and worn out. But I think it is safe to say that a brilliant day was had by all!

The Saxophonics

2005-02-15T13:24:00.000Z

Pete King with his quartet put on an awesome set after the gala concert!

2005-02-15T13:23:00.000Z

Alex playing the Contra Bass Sax costing a cool £12,500!!!

2005-02-15T13:19:00.000Z

Alex,getting to grips with the beast of a bass!

2005-02-15T13:17:00.000Z

Lewy, playing some Brecker on the Bass sax!

2005-02-15T13:14:00.000Z

The National Saxophone Choir in rehearsals, conducted by Nigel Wood

2005-02-15T13:12:00.000Z

The Saxophonics, in a jubilent mood after the competition

2005-02-15T13:11:00.000Z

Annika and Lewy testing out the Bass sax

First Gig of 2005

2005-01-22T14:06:00.000Z

Lastnight we did our first gig of 2005! We were a surprise for gentlemens wife and guests at her brithday party. They were a wonderful audience and the surroundings of the statley home really added to the atmosphere! It was great!

We have also been booked for a number of different events from now into the summer! And with UK Sax Quartet finals looming, i think 2005 is going to be a fun filled actionpacked year for us! We will keep you posted! The Saxophonics!

!MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2004-12-24T16:25:00.000Z

Looking back at the past year we have gone from strength to strength competiting succefully in competitions and playing live on Radio with an ever growing fan base thanks to North Norfolk Radio, KLFM and BBC Radio Norfolk- with fans as far away as Sweden and Hong Kong as it would seem!

So we wish every one who has followed and helped us a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a big THANKYOU! Hope you all enjoy the festive season!

The Saxophonics!

KLFM

2004-12-15T19:21:00.000Z

Rememeber to listen to KLFM next week every morning! We'll be featuring raising money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital childrens ward! We are also taking bookings for after the new year now and already have a few! The Saxophonics!

Our live Set

2004-12-15T19:01:00.000Z

Hi, Today we featured again on North Norfolk Radios drive time show! We played some Christams Carols and did a bit on an interview! Thanks for all the supportive text messages! Playing live in the north norfolk radio studio

In the tour bus

2004-12-15T18:59:00.000Z

In the tour bus with Bari sax on our laps after radio show

North Norfolk Radio

2004-12-15T18:57:00.000Z

Group photo with the presenter Craig

North Norfolk Radio

2004-12-13T13:29:00.000Z

hi eveyone, Listen out for us this Wednesday on North Norfolk Radio 96.2 and 103.2fm from 3.15pm onwards! We'll be playing live and doing a bit of an interview too! So tune to here norfolks premiere sax quartet in action! The Saxophonics!

Radio Bookings

2004-11-30T09:38:00.000Z

In the past few days weve been in contact with both North Norfolk Radio and KLFM and have confirmed some bookings! So listen out for us on both stations a few weeks before christmas! The Saxophonics!

Fakenham Lights-the crowds

2004-11-27T20:25:00.000Z

The Saxophonics playing to the crowds on the back of the North Norfolk Radio lorry!

Fakenham Lights

2004-11-27T18:53:00.000Z

The Saxophonics after Fakenham Lights complete with two adoring fans!

Our first wedding

2004-11-14T18:14:00.000Z

This was our first wedding ever! Luckily there wasnt a cloud in the sky and we played as guests came in to St Faiths church in Kings Lynn. The Saxophonics (from left to right; Alex, Lewis, Annika & Tom) at Steve Bradleys (KLFM DJ) wedding complete on beautifully sunny Novembers day.

KLFM pics

2004-11-14T18:06:00.000Z

Heres those promised pics of us at the KLFM radio station! The Saxophonics at KLFM radio station! Sitting down Steve Bradley with his wife Lisa!

Top secret gig; KLFM

2004-11-13T22:21:00.000Z

Yesterday (Friday, 12th November) we played live on KLFM as a surprise for the DJ; Steve Bradley! He was getting maried the next day and we were a surprise from the KLFM crew! We played "I'm getting married in the morning" and "She's the one" by Robbie Williams-arranged by our bari player Tom! All went very well indeed and no end of people have been coming up to us saying how cool it sounded! It turned out that were infact 44,000 listeners who heard us!!!!!! Listen out for our backing on the jingle for the Steve Bradley breakfast show whilst hes on his honey moon! KLFM 96.7FM! Pictures of us at the radio station will be coming shortly! The Saxophonics!

Yet another gig confirmed!

2004-11-02T19:05:00.000Z

About 2 weeks ago we enetered a competition solely for sax quartets. we had to enter a tape with two tracks on it and they would assess all the entries and the best ones would go through to the final and play at Birmingham Conservatiore! Today we recieved an email confirming that a new under 20's catagory had been created and that our "outstanding" level of playing had sent us straight through to the final! So now we will be performing in the Birmingham Conservatoire in the following months! Hopefully it goes as well as our last competitions (1st place in the Shorten Cup, 3rd Place in Search for a Star)! We keep you posted! The Saxophonics!

Up coming gigs

2004-11-02T18:49:00.000Z

We have just confirmed our latest gig! We will be playing at the turning on of Fakenham lights on 27th November! So look for us from about 3:30 onwards! We'll be playing on the back of a lorry-so we should be easy to spot! Pictures from the event should be posted on the site shortly after! Hope to see you there! The Saxophonics!

The Saxophonics Group Photo

2004-10-25T22:59:00.000Z

This is us, The Saxophonics, from left to right-Tom (Bari sax), Lewis (alto sax), Annika (soprano sax) and Alex (tenor sax)! Group photo More photos of us on gigs and publicity shots should follow this so keep a look out! The Saxophonics!

All up and running now!

2004-10-25T22:03:00.000Z

The site is all up and running now! Big thanks to Sara for helping sort it all out! The Saxophonics!