Elder Conservatorium of Music: Saxophone Mega Day

Date: Saturday 17 May 2025 Time: 10:30am–5:00pm Venue: Hartley Concert Room, The University of Adelaide Registration Fee: $20 (plus booking fee)

A full day dedicated to all things saxophone! Whether you're a student, teacher, or passionate sax enthusiast, the Elder Conservatorium's Saxophone Mega Day offers a jam-packed schedule of workshops, performances, and expert sessions.

Bring your instrument, your questions, and your love of music—this is a Mega Day not to be missed!

Special Guests: 🎷 Nexas Saxophone Quartet — one of Australia’s leading saxophone ensembles. 🎷 Sarah Byron — saxophonist and educator extraordinaire. 🎷 Bruce Jacobson — from Grevillea Distributions, here to talk all things gear. 🎷 Simon Clarke — Presto Music's saxophone historian. 🎷 Nathan Henshaw — blending jazz and classical worlds.

Program Highlights:

10:30am: Welcome and Registration Check in, grab your name tag, and get ready for a fun-filled day of music-making and saxophone community.

11:00am: Warm-Up and Saxophone Choir with Sarah Byron Start the day with a group warm-up led by Sarah Byron, followed by a large-scale saxophone choir rehearsal that brings everyone together in sound.

12:00pm: Session 1 - Gear Session with Bruce Jacobson (Grevillea Distributions) Explore the latest in saxophone gear and accessories, with expert insights from Bruce Jacobson on reeds, mouthpieces, maintenance, and more.

1:00pm: Lunch Break Take a break, refuel, and connect with fellow saxophonists over lunch (BYO or enjoy nearby cafes). Have some time to try out some new gear!

1:30pm: Session 2 - Historical Saxophones with Simon Clarke (Presto Music) Dive into the rich history of the saxophone, with rare instruments on display and stories of how the sax has evolved through time.

2:30pm: Masterclass with Members of the Nexas Quartet Watch and learn as members of Nexas coach selected performers, sharing professional tips on tone, technique, and musical interpretation.

3:30pm: Session 3 - Crossing Over with Nathan Henshaw Explore how to move between jazz and classical styles, with practical advice and musical examples from versatile performer Nathan Henshaw.

4:30pm: Mini Concert featuring Nexas Quartet & Saxophone Choir Celebrate the day with a short concert showcasing the Nexas Quartet and the Mega Day Saxophone Choir in a joyful finale.

5:00pm: Finish A big thank you and farewell — leave inspired, informed, and buzzing with saxophone energy!

Event Sponsors

Proudly supported by Presto Music and Presto Musical Repairs, Vandoren, and Légère.