Saxophones/Brass

Currently, all saxophone/brass workshops are standard ‘sight-reading’ events.

More about our standard ‘sight-reading’ workshops:

Saxophones/Brass (Birnam and Crieff)

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. (If this sounds a bit beyond you, how about considering Very Easy Puff-Along, which takes place in Birnam.)

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.

Very Easy Puff-Along (Birnam)

The idea behind the Very Easy Puff-Along is to provide comparative beginners with a low-stress opportunity to make music with other enthusiastic but not-yet-competent late-starter musicians! Ideally, you should be able to manage a range of about 8 notes or more.

Music will include simple tunes and rhythm exercises which we will play through in unison, or in very straightforward two-part arrangements. We’ll be aiming for a nice pedantic speed and plenty of repetition!

Great for motivation, as well as introducing basic ensemble skills, such as tuning up, keeping in time and not stopping or going back if you make a mistake.

Space permitting, recorders and even non-puffing instruments like bowed strings are welcome to join the Very Easy Puffalong. Please be aware, however, that keys and note ranges will be chosen primarily to suit beginners on orchestral woodwind, saxophones or brass instruments.

Interested? Check our Information, Dates & Venues page to find the next Very Easy Puff-Along workshop, then get in touch to book your place. (You will find our e-mail address at the foot of the page.) Don’t forget to give details of your instrument and approximate standard/list of notes you can manage, to ensure appropriate music is available. With enough notice, it may even be possible to provide one or two parts to practise in advance.