Saxophones/Brass

Currently, Saxophone/Brass workshops take place at our Birnam and Crieff venues.

Saxophone and brass players would also be welcome at Puffalong Session workshops in Callander.

A mixed-ability workshop for improver/intermediate-level players on saxophone or brass (orchestral or band) instruments. Ideal for those who are comfortably underway, perhaps playing at around Grade 3 – 4 level or above, who are looking to acquire or extend ensemble skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

This group can also accommodate experienced musicians who have only recently taken up their saxophone or brass instrument but can read music fluently and play up-to-pitch – let us know your ‘comfort’ note range at the time of booking, so that we’ll be sure to have appropriate music available.

Our music consists of a mixture of light classical, traditional and original pieces, specifically designed to strengthen sight-reading skills and build confidence. Learn some of the techniques and terminology used in ensemble, band and orchestral contexts while having fun making music with others.

Interested? Check our Information, Dates & Venues page to find the next appropriate workshop, then get in touch to book your place. Parts are specially arranged to suit the confidence and ability level of participants, so let us know your instrument (key, clef, etc) and also a little about your approximate standard and previous musical experience. You will find our e-mail address at the foot of the page.

A bit too challenging for you? Past programmes have included Happy Honker workshops, designed specifically for relative beginners, with practice copies of music available in advance. If this would be of interest to you, please get in touch to be kept informed of future plans – e-mail address at the foot of the page.

Puffalong Session

A sort of wind equivalent of a traditional music ‘session’, except that players will be given sheet music and not expected to pick things up by ear! In this 45 minute workshop, we will romp through a collection of pieces, with most participants playing the melody line and without worrying too much about the finer musical details. Intended primarily as an incentive to take your instrument out and play, this should also be great for building stamina and consolidating sight-reading skills.

This is a bit of an experimental venture and, to some extent, it will evolve as it goes. I envisage potential ‘easier’, harmony and bass parts being added to the mix, depending on who signs up. To being with, the idea is that note and key ranges for the melody line should be of around Grade 1 – 2 standard, although the actual level of challenge will depend on the speed at which we take the pieces.

Interested? Check our Information, Dates & Venues page to find the next appropriate workshop, then get in touch to book your place. You will find our e-mail address at the foot of the page.