Rhett Bender's Creating Music in Southern Oregon

Beautiful Night Video

2011-11-09T05:06:00.001-08:00

P1090390, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

from the final Concert in Chengdu

China Haidian Street photos

2011-11-09T04:57:00.001-08:00

China Haidian Street photos, a set on Flickr.

I had the morning free in Beijing before teaching so I walked to a shopping mall.

China Li Lu 2011.11.4

2011-11-09T04:31:00.001-08:00

China Li Lu 2011.11.4, a set on Flickr.

Photos by Li Lu, Puzi's mother.

Chengdu Saxophone Forum (1)

2011-11-06T22:28:00.001-08:00

Chengdu Saxophone Forum (1), a set on Flickr.

Chengdu Saxophone Forum

2011-11-04T04:07:00.001-07:00

Chengdu Saxophone Forum, a set on Flickr.

I taught a master class to 150 saxophone students today in Chengdu. Tomorrow I'll give a lecture to the same students.

China Huijia Video

2011-11-02T16:47:00.001-07:00

China Huijia Video, a set on Flickr.

I watched, and participated, in drumset learning at the third grade level in Huijia primary school.

Huijia

2011-11-02T06:47:00.001-07:00

P1090222, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

I visited SOU alums Eric and Erin at Huijia school in Beijing where they are teachers. Erin studied saxophone with me and was on the 2007 SSO tour to China. It was good to see her again and meet Eric. They have become excellent teachers, loved by both students and colleagues.

China Huijia

2011-11-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

China Huijia, a set on Flickr.

Nanshan

2011-10-31T17:38:00.001-07:00

Nanshan, a set on Flickr.

Longkou Saxophone Factory

2011-10-31T17:13:00.001-07:00

Longkou Saxophone Factory, a set on Flickr.

Longkou Factory

2011-10-31T17:08:00.001-07:00

P1090104 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 2 Day 4

2011-07-21T15:16:00.001-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 2 Day 3

2011-07-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 2 Day 2

2011-07-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 5

2011-07-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 4

2011-07-14T16:19:00.001-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 3

2011-07-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 2

2011-07-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 1

2011-07-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra performs 10+1 and other new works with Guest Artists

2011-05-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

(Ashland, Ore.) –The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra, under the baton of guest conductor Dr. John Bleuel, will perform the challenging new piece, 10+1 by French composer Lucie Robert on Friday, May 20^th at 7:30 PM at the SOU Music Recital Hall. Audience members are invited to a cake reception following the concert. There will be a second performance in Grants Pass at the Rogue Building on the Rogue Community College Campus Saturday, May 21^st at 7:30PM.

Lucie Robert’s wrote 10+1 in 2009 specifically for conductor-saxophonist Dr. John Bleuel and pianist Dr. Linda Li-Bleuel. 10+1 features eleven solo instrumentalist–ten saxophones and one piano–in cooperative opposition, to create a sonic soundscape like no other. Also featured on the concert will be music by the Oregon composers: Swingin’ Clarence et ses oiseaux domestiques by Theodore Dollarhide, Nocturnes by Mark Jacobs, and In Memoriam Sacagawea Aria Steinke. The artists are part of the Oregon Chapter of the National Association of Composers USA.

The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (SSO) is a collaboration of students, faculty, and staff at Southern Oregon University. Under the direction of Rhett Bender, Professor of Music at SOU, the SSO arranges, composes and commissions music of all styles and musical periods. Members of the SSO recently traveled to the Sichuan Conservatory of Music to perform a recital and visit Beichuan, the site of the devastating 2008 earthquake.

Tickets for this performance are only $5 for general admission and free for students. Tickets and season passes may be purchased by calling 541-552-6101 or at the Music Box Office prior to the performance. For more information, please visit Southern Oregon University’s Department website at www.sou.edu/music.

Saxophone Journal

2011-05-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

Successful Trip to China April 2011

2011-05-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Duo Montagnard Concert February 23 7:30

2011-02-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

PROGRAM:

Matthew Slotkin, guitar Joseph Murphy, saxophones

Sonatine . . . . . . . George Daravelis (b 1964)
Bounce . . . . . . . David Kechley (b 1947)
Untitled . . . . . . . Shane Endsley (b. 1975)
Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control . . . . . . . John Orfe (b. 1976)
Tableaux Vivants . . . . . . . James Crowley (b. 1963)
Agitato
Allegro piacevole
Allegro marcato
Recitativo senza misura
Raccogliendo
Presto
Messengers . . . . . . . John Anthony Lennon (b. 1950)

Duo Montagnard was formed in 2002 and has performed over 130 concerts in 25 states, Canada, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Greece, Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia. Festival performances include the Chautauqua Institution, the Hartwick College Summer Music Festival, and the Alexandria Guitar Festival. Recent commissions include pieces by John Anthony Lennon, George Daravelis, John Orfe and Charles Stolte.

Joseph Murphy has been the saxophone professor at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania since 1987. He has also been director of bands, department chair, and taught a variety of courses. He received the bachelor of music education from Bowling Green State University (OH), and the masters and doctorate degrees from Northwestern University. Dr. Murphy was the music director of Tiffin (OH) Calvert High School from 1983-85. In 1985‑86 he received a Fulbright Award for a year of study in Bordeaux, France where he received a Premier Prix. In June 1996 Dr. Murphy performed a solo recital at Lincoln Center. He has performed in 13 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Greece, and several countries in western Europe. He is a clinician for the Selmer Corporation and Rico Corporation and has been recorded on Erol (France), Mark, and Opus One labels. Dr. Murphy’s memberships include Music Educators National Conference, Music Teachers National Association, North American Saxophone Alliance, National Association of College Wind & Percussion Instructors, College Band Directors National Association, Phi Mu Alpha, and Kappa Kappa Psi. His award winning website is www.saxophone-education.com http://www.saxophone-education.com>

Matthew Slotkin is an acclaimed performer, teacher, and scholar, and has appeared in leading venues throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He has achieved success in solo performance, chamber music, and as a soloist with orchestra. A commitment to the promulgation of new compositions has resulted in numerous premieres of works by composers including John Anthony Lennon, Scott Lindroth, John Orfe, and many others. Recent performances include tours of New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Greece, as well as concerts at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Monadnock Music Festival, the Hartwick College Summer Music Festival, the Guitar Foundation of America, the Chautauqua Institution, and the World Saxophone Congresses in both Thailand and Slovenia. He has given performances with many prominent chamber ensembles including the Metropolis Ensemble, the Mallarmé Chamber Players, Duo Montagnard (with Joseph Murphy, saxophone), and Dez Cordas (with Craig Butterfield, double bass). American Record Guide praised Slotkin on his Centaur Records release, Twentieth Century Music for Guitar, for his “musical sensitivity and technical control,” and for giving “strong readings of this appealing music.” Soundboard magazine called him an “exceptional” player, and a recent concert review from the Classical Voice of North Carolina stated that “Slotkin performed brilliantly.” Centaur Records released his new recording with double bassist Craig Butterfield, “Dances, Songs, Inventions,” in February 2010, which was called “wonderful” by WRUV radio (Burlington, VT). Slotkin directs the guitar programs at Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA and Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA. He has given masterclasses at numerous institutions and festivals including the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the University of Melbourne, the Alexandria Guitar Festival, and many others. He received the Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music, and Bachelor of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied guitar with Nicholas Goluses and historical performance practice with Paul O’Dette.

Tickets for this performance are $15 general admission, and free for all
students. Tickets or season passes may be purchased by calling
541-552-6101
or at the Music Box Office one hour prior to the performance. For more
information, please visit Southern Oregon University’s Music Department
website at http://www.sou.edu/music

SSO Friday

2011-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra Tackles New Music by Oregon Composers.

(Ashland, Ore.) –The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Rhett Bender, will perform music by composers of Oregon on Friday, February 18^th at 7:30 PM at the SOU Music Recital Hall. Audience members are invited to a cake reception following the concert.

The concert will feature music by the Southern Oregon composers Barry Ulrich, Ken Deveney, L’lana Cotton, and Keith Smelcer. The artists are part of the National Association of Composers USA. The concert will conclude with a new arrangement of a Rossini march by SOU Associate Dean Dr. Vicki T. Purslow.

The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (SSO) is a collaboration of students, faculty, and staff at Southern Oregon University. Under the direction of Rhett Bender, Professor of Music at SOU, the SSO arranges, composes and commissions music of all styles and musical periods. In April student members of the SSO will travel to China to perform with students at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music.

SSO Concert on Friday

2011-02-17T19:15:00.001-08:00

Jon Manasse at a CMC Master Class in 2009

2011-01-30T07:32:00.001-08:00

Jon Manasse at a CMC Master Class in 2009, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Today is your last chance to hear clarinet virtuoso, Jon Manasse, perform Mozart's clarinet concerto with the RVSO and Martin Majkut. The first two concerts were sold out but there are tickets available for the 3PM Grants Pass performance. If you're free this is a not to miss performance. The orchestra under Majkut's direction is playing Mozart better than ever.

Manasse has been to Ashland twice through Chamber Music Concerts. Both times SOU clarinet students were fortunate to perform for him on a Master Class.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T06:34:00.001-08:00

Rhett and Jody

Happy New Year everyone. I wasn't able to update this blog frequently this fall so here are the highlights. Last month my book, An Annotated Bibliography of Saxophone Quartets by American Composers–originally my dissertation, was published by Lambert Academic publishers.

Click here to buy on Amazon.com

Although the Globe Saxophone Quartet didn't have any engagements this fall, I premiered Dan Maske's Far Corner for soprano saxophone and wind ensemble with the Rogue Valley Symphonic Band conducted by Dr. Frederick Schmidt. A new Southern Oregon resident from sunny Green Bay, Wisconsin; Dr. Schmidt asked if I would perform this work on his premier concert as their new conductor. This 15 year old work was originally written for saxophone and piano for John and Linda Bleuel but the wind ensemble version of Far Corner had never been performed. Followers of the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra will remember Dan Maske's piece Wind and Weaponry SSO performed in the spring of 2009.

The next Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra performance will be February 18th at the SOU Music Recital Hall. We are collaborating with the Oregon chapter of the National Association of Composers USA to premier several new works. I'll leave you with video from our fall performance.

Nimrod "Freely Adapted" By R.Jensen from Enigma Variations

2010-12-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

My dissertation has been published

2010-11-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Click here to view it for sale on Amazon

Baton wars

2010-11-17T11:58:00.001-08:00

DSC_5948 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Guess which one is the real conductor....

November Concert

2010-11-17T11:57:00.001-08:00

DSC_5945 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

November 12 Concert

2010-11-11T16:22:00.000-08:00

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra performs concert with guest conductor Martin Majkut

2010-11-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

(Ashland, Ore.) –The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra and SOU chamber ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Rhett Bender, will perform a concert with guest conductor Martin Majkut on Friday, November 12^th at 7:30 PM at the SOU Music Recital Hall. Audience members are invited to a cake reception following the concert.

The concert will feature music by the Lisa Nichols and Wenjun Qi flute-guitar duo, SOU saxophone quartets and the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra. Newly appointed Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra Conductor, Martin Majkut, will guest conduct Nimrod from the ‘Enigma Variations’ by Edgar Elgar.

The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (SSO) is a collaboration of students, faculty, and staff at Southern Oregon University. Under the direction of Rhett Bender, Professor of Music at SOU, the SSO arranges, composes and commissions music of all styles and musical periods. This spring student members of the SSO will travel to China to perform a chamber music concert at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music.

-SOU-

Saxophone Quartet

2010-11-03T20:55:00.001-07:00

DSC_5722 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Next performance November 12

Raider Madrigal Singers

2010-11-03T20:53:00.001-07:00

DSC_5763, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

CMC Scholarship Winners

2010-11-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

DSC_5776 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop Last Day

2010-07-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone. This has been the best workshop yet! I don't know how we top the 10 + 1 performance. See you next year.

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop Day 4

2010-07-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Last night the quartets and small ensembles performed on the Britt Festival grounds before the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Concert.

Today at 3PM is the closing concert with the saxophone orchestra. The concert will include the west coast premiere of 10 + 1. Don't miss it!

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop Day 3

2010-07-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon we had free. Some of the workshop participants went rafting, some went to a play, a few practiced and I went with the Sichuan entourage to Crater Lake. Tomorrow come see us performing before the Britt concert.

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop Day 2

2010-07-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop

2010-07-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Images from Day 1 of the workshop

Two Bass Saxophones!

Dr. Bleuel conducts

New and old bass saxophones

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop

2010-07-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

The 10th Annual Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop has started. Above John Bleuel rehearses the Workshop Saxophone Orchestra. They will perform Friday at 3PM in the SOU Music Recital Hall.

This year we are excited to have special guest Professor Li Yusheng from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music and his students Mei Song, Han Xiao, Wang Yuran and Pu Zhu. They will perform tonight at 7PM in the SOU Music Recital Hall along with the Globe Saxophone Quartet.

Click here for the workshop schedule.

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2010 Week 2 Day 5

2010-07-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is our last day for 2010. Join us next year July 15-22. We are also on facebook-Ashland Chamber Music Workshop.

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2010 Week 2 Day 4

2010-07-22T15:40:00.001-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2010 Week 2 Day 3

2010-07-21T14:50:00.001-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2010 Week 2 Day 2

2010-07-20T11:53:00.001-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2010 Week 2 Day 1

2010-07-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2010 Week 2 Arrival

2010-07-18T18:41:00.001-07:00

Phebe checks participants in at the library

In the library music is on tables ready to be used.
The assignment board is being prepared for Monday.
Ryan checks out the lockers for the new arrivals.

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 5

2010-07-16T17:40:00.001-07:00

Chamber Music Research

2010-07-16T13:17:00.001-07:00

DSC_3256, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Last day of Chamber Music Workshop week 1

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 4

2010-07-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Gratuitous puppy picture

2010-07-14T17:48:00.001-07:00

DSC_4676 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

This is our new puppy Sam. Can't blog about music all the time!

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 1 Day 3

2010-07-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

Chamber Music Workshop Participant's recital every weekday at 3PM. Free!

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Day 2

2010-07-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Day 1

2010-07-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Ashland Chamber Music Workshop has begun.

Ashland City Band Fourth of July

2010-07-05T15:53:00.001-07:00

DSC_4299, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

T Lund on trombone

2010-07-05T15:52:00.001-07:00

DSC_4303, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Ashland Fourth of July Parade

2010-07-05T15:51:00.001-07:00

DSC_4202, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra

2010-06-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

SOU Jazz Ensemble

2010-06-25T22:51:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

SOU Woodwind Trio

2010-06-25T22:47:00.001-07:00

DSC_3167 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

2010 Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop

2010-06-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 29th we will be going to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Britt!

We will again have an optional raft trip with Momentum River Expedition

Return to this site for frequent updates. The schedule will be posted soon!

Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop

2010-06-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Time is running out to register for the Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop. Click here to go directly to the registration page.

Information about the workshop can be found at this link: Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop

Return here for frequent workshop updates

SSO plays the Hannon Library

2010-05-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Wenjun

2010-05-07T19:37:00.001-07:00

DSC_2771 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

May 14th, 2010 Concert

2010-05-07T19:34:00.001-07:00

DSC_2955 - Version 2, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Three chamber ensembles, including the flute-guitar duo of Lisa Nichols and Wenjun Qi, will be performing with the SSO on Friday.

Pictures at an Exhibition May 14, 2010

2010-04-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra performs Pictures at an Exhibition

(Ashland, Ore.) –Ashland locals and internationally renowned Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Rhett Bender, performs the famous Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky on Friday, May 14th at 8:00 PM at the SOU Music Recital Hall. Audience members are invited to a cake reception following the concert.

Mussorgsky wrote Pictures at an Exhibition after the sudden death of his friend, artist Viktor Hartmann. The music depicts an imaginary tour of Hartmann’s art. Originally it was a showpiece for piano but it was made famous by its many orchestrations. Most notably are the orchestral arrangement by Ravel and the progressive rock version by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. William Schmidt’s version for saxophone is perfectly suited to the musicians of the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra. Also featured on the concert is chamber music from the New People’s Quartet and the SOU Woodwind Trio.

The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (SSO) is comprised of students, both music majors and non-music majors, and faculty, staff and administrators from Southern Oregon University. Under the direction of Rhett Bender, Professor of Music at SOU, the SSO arranges, composes and commissions music of all styles and musical periods. Featuring the rare sopranino and bass saxophones, its performances showcase styles from classical music, opera highlights, American big band hits, world music, and original pieces written for the SSO. In October 2007, the SSO traveled to China where they performed to mobs of admiring music fans. As the guests of Mercury Saxophones, the SSO performed at the China Music Trade Show in Shanghai and at the northern seaside resort city of Yantai. The SSO have performed live on the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Greenshow and KTVL Channel 10 Morning News. They were recently honored by being selected for a performance at the XVth World Saxophone Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tickets for this performance are only $5 for general admission and free for students. Tickets and season passes may be purchased by calling 541-552-6101 or at the Music Box Office prior to the performance. For more information, please visit Southern Oregon University’s Department website at www.sou.edu/music.

-SOU-

Running Tune Robert Baksa (b.1938)

Lullaby

March

Badinage Paul Koepke (1918-2000)

SOU Woodwind Trio

Kaleigh Hull, flute

Malin Judah, oboe

Connie Gardner, clarinet

Misterioso and Final from Quatour de Saxophones Ida Gotkovksy (b.1933)

New People’s Quartet

Holly Kruggel, soprano

Tang Di, alto

Jamie Krull, tenor

Rhett Bender, baritone

INTERMISSION

Pictures at an Exhibition Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)

Promenade arranged by William Schmidt

1. The Gnome

Promenade

2. The Old Castle

Promenade

3. Tulleries

4. Bydlo

Promenade

5. Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks

6. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle

Promenade

7. The Market Place at Limoges

8. Catacombs

Lingua Mortua

9. The Hut of Baba Yaba

10. The Great Gate of Kiev

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra

Tang Di, soprano

Jamie Krull, alto

Holly Kruggel, alto

David Whipp, alto

Kirsten Campbell, tenor

Andrew Krug, tenor

Connie Gardner, tenor

Steve Davidson, baritone

Kylee Rohrbacker, baritone

Tovi Olivolo, bass

Rhett Bender, artistic director

Remembering Dr. Kenneth M. Fischer

2010-01-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, December 9th, 2010 my friend, mentor and colleague Dr. Kenneth Fischer died after a brief illness. He was a frequent teacher at the Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop and guest of Southern Oregon University. Dr. Fischer was only 58 years old.

Twenty years ago this December I met Dr. Fischer. I met him and Dr. Rousseau in the Yamaha area at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 1989. My friend was meeting Dr. Rousseau for a lesson and it was an unexpected surprise to also meet Dr. Fischer. He had recently been featured in the Saxophone Journal. It was an interview by a former student, Tom Smialek, about Fischer's career and teaching. I was so motivated by his teaching philosophy that it prompted my to write a letter to the editor that was published in the following issue. I was surprised that when I met Dr. Fischer at Midwest he recognized my name from the letter. I introduced myself and he said, "You are the one that wrote that kind letter." That was the beginning of my 20 year mentorship.

While I finished my undergraduate degree at Iowa State University over the next three years, we kept in touch. This was before email was ubiquitous so we'd write or call each other a few times a year and I'd usually see him at Midwest each December. My mother remembers talking to Dr. Fischer one summer as he was checking to see if I'd made a decision on graduate school. She reminded me of what a gentleman he was and seemed just as interested in talking to her as he was to me. Eventually in the fall of 1992 I decided to study with Dr. Fischer at UGA.

Dr. Fischer's birthday is one day after mine. As I write this note I am the exact same age, 41, he was when I started studying with him. After four years of studying with Dr. Fischer in Athens from 1992 to 1996 I moved to Oregon to begin my career as a Professor of Music. In spite of living on the other side of the country I was able to see Dr. Fischer frequently. Five times he traveled to Southern Oregon University, where I teach, to perform and give master classes. Four of those trips were for the Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop. Every other year I would see Dr. Fischer at a NASA conference or World Saxophone Congress. I looked forward to seeing him in March 2010. We had many collaborations yet to explore.

I deeply miss my mentor and my colleague. Rhett Bender

Percussion Ensemble December 1st

2009-11-18T14:11:00.001-08:00

Percussion1, originally uploaded by andrewjkrug.

SSO Red

2009-11-15T11:02:00.001-08:00

sax6, originally uploaded by ddunleavy.

Photos by Dennis Dunnleavy

SSO Red

2009-11-15T10:52:00.001-08:00

sax18, originally uploaded by ddunleavy.

Photos by Dennis Dunnleavy

SSO Red

2009-11-15T10:50:00.001-08:00

sax19, originally uploaded by ddunleavy.

Photos by Dennis Dunleavy

SSO Red

2009-11-15T10:48:00.001-08:00

sax3, originally uploaded by ddunleavy.

SSO Red

2009-11-15T10:45:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by bendersaxophone.

Villa-Lobos on Sax's birthday

2009-11-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

The next week features many saxophone events. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 6, 7 and 8; I will be a featured soloist with the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra. I will be playing Heitor Villa-Lobos Fantasia for Soprano Saxophone, Strings and Three Horns with guest conductor Martin Majkut. Fitting that Friday is Adolphe Sax's birthday. I'll be sporting my new hair cut and playing the new Yamaha YSS-EXHG G.Next Friday, November 13th is the fall concert of the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra featuring music of Carmen, Water Music and Dr. Purslow's new arrangement of The Liberty Bell March in honor of the Monty Python 40th Anniversary.

Globe Tours Wyoming

2009-09-23T03:13:00.001-07:00

The Globe Saxophone Quartet is on tour in Wyoming as part of the University of Wyoming Cultural Outreach. We are performing in Lander, Tongue River, Douglas and Laramie September 21-26. During the day we'll be working in the public schools performing and teaching. Below are rehearsal photos from Lander High School and a few pictures from our drive from Lander to Sheridan.

Saxophone at Southern Oregon University

2009-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Andrew Krug is building a great new site linking all of the saxophone activities at Southern Oregon University. You can view video of the Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop as well as connect to the Globe Saxophone Quartet and the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra.

Bookmark it at saxophone.sou.edu and watch for information on Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop 2010-the 10th Anniversary.

Globe Quartet's 2009-2010 Season photo by Scott Cole. We begin this season with a Wyoming tour September 20-26, 2009

Saxophone Workshop Day 5

2009-07-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a great Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop!!

Saxophone Workshop Day 4

2009-07-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

To watch today's concert of the Siskiyou Saxophone Workshop Orchestra live at 7PM (19:00) PST click here

Pictures from today's dress rehearsal.

Saxophone Workshop Day 3 Rafting

2009-07-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Saxophone Workshop Day 3

2009-07-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Globe Saxophone Quartet Concert. Today we go rafting on the Rogue River. Tomorrow is the Saxophone Orchestra Concert.

Saxophone Workshop Day 2

2009-07-28T13:30:00.001-07:00

Today we began with Dr. Vicki Purslow, SOU College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean, rehearsing the orchestra on her new arrangement of Sousa's Liberty Bell March to be premiered Thursday.

Composer Todd Barton stopped by to talk about his piece Gesangla Mediation on the Sichuan Earthquake. The students will perform Gesangla on Thursday.
Students enjoying a well deserved break from rehearsal.

During the breaks Yamaha, Jupiter and Cripple Creek Music of Ashland have the latest model saxophones to try.
Don Archer of Cripple Creeks speaks with students about saxophones.
Steve Davidson teaches Intermediate Jazz Style.
While in the room next door, Scott Turpen teaches Advanced Jazz Improvisation.

John Bleuel Rehearses the Old Castle from Pictures at an Exhibition. The students will perform the entire piece Thursday at 7PM.

Saxophone Workshop Day 1

2009-07-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. John Bleuel leads the Saxophone Orchestra in Pictures at an Exhibition

ACMW 2009 Week 2 Last Day

2009-07-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop 2009 comes to a close. If you were a participant and you like these photos, you may download full resolution images. Click here ACMW Week 2 or last weeks images ACMW Week 1.

ACMW 2009 Week 2 Day 4

2009-07-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

ACMW 2009 Week 2 Day 3 Video

2009-07-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Coaches and staff work in the library on tomorrow's assignment while participants prepare for the 3PM recital.

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 2 Day 2

2009-07-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

It starts in the morning with Rehearsal. The first four photos are from today's Baroque group.
They rehearse in the Hinkle Room with harpsichord.
Backstage before the afternoon recital.
Performance!
Mozart Quintet

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 2 Day 1

2009-07-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Coaches in action

Phebe Kimball

Thomas Stauffer

Cynthia Darby

Armand Ambrosini

Nancie Linn Shaw

Philip Bayles

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop Week 2

2009-07-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 4 Video

2009-07-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Video by Philip Bayles

A clip of all of Day 4's performances

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 5 Last day

2009-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 4

2009-07-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 3 the video

2009-07-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks Philip!

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 3

2009-07-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

Philip coaches early music in the Hinkle Room

Alec Wilder trio for flute, clarinet and bassoon

Emma coaches Shostakovich

Alexander demonstrates

Add the saxophone

Behind the stage during the program

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 2

2009-07-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

ACMW 2009 Week 1 Day 1

2009-07-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is what the chamber music library looks like spread over the tables for easy viewing.

Paricipants arrive for ACMW

2009-07-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

On Sunday afternoon participants arrived at the SOU campus and checked into their rooms at Cox Residence Hall. We had an organizational meeting followed by Philip Bayles leading a reading orchestra. Other participants formed ensembles and "free-lanced." Monday begins the first day of the ACMW week 1.

Ashland Chamber Music Workshop setup

2009-07-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday Phebe, "T", Jesse, Ryan, Tom and Cynthia setup the entire music building for our 2009 Ashland Chamber Music Workshop. This is no small task. It includes preparing 20 rooms plus the recital hall, and emptying and sorting six file cabinets worth of chamber music.

At the last minute I was called in to register incoming students so I couldn't help with the setup. By the time I finished registration at 4PM the building was completely fininshed including all of the music library. Thanks everyone for a tremendous and skillful effort.

By 9AM the band room was ready to become the music library.

Phebe and Ryan setup the boards.

Ashland Fourth of July

2009-07-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

Images from Independence Day in Ashland. Next week begins the Ashland Chamber Music Workshop.

Rousseau and Wytko American Band College Clinic

2009-06-23T20:06:00.000-07:00