The SAX SCHOOL Weekender
Join Nigel McGill and the Sax School team for a THREE DAYS of playing, learning and connecting in beautiful Yorkshire!
WHY ATTEND THIS WEEKEND?
Ready for a massive boost to your saxophone technique and confidence? This fun and playing packed weekend will give you direct access to Nigel and his team, plus the opportunity to connect with other learners from around the country and the world!
LEARN SKILLS
Develop your playing skills and musical knowledge with the packed itinerary of playing and learning.
BUILD CONFIDENCE
Unlock your playing potential with ensemble sessions, workshops, and small group sessions in a friendly and fun environment.
CONNECT AND SHARE
Meet other players from around the world and build relationships with fellow saxophone learners.
What our Members say:
SESSIONS FOR EVERYONE
If you are a beginner or a seasoned jammer, you will love the clear step-by-step small AND large group sessions with other players just like you.
Connect with other players as you learn skills that will transform your saxophone playing.
I learned a lot...
I really enjoyed playing the tunes and getting the chance to improvise. Plus all the Tutors were excellent!
Jo Preston
The Weekender was 10/10...
The whole event was such a well thought out, wonderfully presented and good fun experience!
Windy Miller
I feel like a totally different player...
I've taken so much away from the Weekender - the inspiration to practice and ways to focus on things I'd never thought about. Thank you!
Melanie Taylor
HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU:
Following our drinks reception on Thursday evening where you can meet our Tutors and your fellow Sax School members, there is a full schedule of learning, playing and fun 9am to late Friday and Saturday, PLUS 9am-3pm Sunday! PLUS you'll love the jam session with a real band on Saturday night!
You will learn:
✪ Warmup skills and techniques to boost your tone.
✪ Aural and timing skills with Ensemble Sessions (suitable for all levels)
✪ Improvising skills and put them to use in workshops and jam sessions.
✪ Playing skills and tactics from our world-class Tutor Team.
✪ In-person Q&A sessions with Nigel, Joel and Chris.
✪ Friendly small group sessions with your Tutors.
Why our students LOVE the Weekender:
Who is this event for?
Alto, Tenor, Soprano and Bari
Beginner Sax Players
intermediate players
WANT TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR TONE
WANT TO DEVELOP IMPROVISING
Your Tutors
This is your chance to meet, hang out and get in-person help with our Sax School Tutor Team.
Nigel McGill
Sax School Founder and lead Tutor.
Chris Camm
Beginner and Intermediate Tutor Specialist
Joel Purnell
Jazz education specialist at Sax School.
"The balance was just right..."
"The balance between playing exercises / technique / theory was just right...it was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile weekend!"
Rhod Cox
"I absolutely loved it!"
"The Weekender gave me lots of ideas to try when I got home and the confidence I needed to just give things a go."
Heather Perry
"It's given me more confidence..."
"I was apprehensive about coming...it's the first time I've played in a band but it wasn't as difficult as I thought!"
Andy Davidson
LOCATION & VENUE
Join us in the heart of Yorkshire at Storthes Hall, Huddersfield.
Storthes Hall is part of the Huddersfield University student campus and is set in 44 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Your Sax School Weekender sessions will take place in the Hall. Included with your registration fee are all meals from a hot breakfast on Friday morning until we close the weekend at 3pm Sunday afternoon. Also included is single en-suite accommodation on Thursday, Friday AND Saturday night at the University Student residence right next door. This year we are also hosting a "meet and greet" reception on Thursday night to kick things off as we get to know each other!
Storthes Hall is just a 20 minute drive from the M1 Jnct 38.
Storthes Hall Park, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 0WA.
Nearest train station: Wakefield Westgate
Nearest Airports: Manchester or Leeds Bradford
JOIN THE WAIT LIST.
So you don't miss out, join the waiting list today and we will notify you as soon as the tickets and details of our next Weekender are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely not. Although we will be using music and playing in groups, we will also be learning techniques and practical exercises you can use to improve even if you don't read music.
The Weekender is for players of all levels. Even if you have never played in a group before or struggle with your confidence on sax, please take the step to come along. It will be the best thing you've done on your saxophone, and the team and I will help you all the way through.
Beginner to intermediate players will get the most from this event. We will work through all sessions at a pace to suit you.
Yes! Also soprano and baritone players are welcome. (If you play bassoon or didgeridoo this might not be for you though!)
We do have some improvising sessions planned for the Weekender and we encourage everyone to get involved. Our improv and jamming sessions are more about developing your ear and aural skills than becoming great jazzers, so give it a go! (plus we are friendly and promise this will be fun!)
Absolutely! We have had students travel from the USA, Canada, and all over Europe to our Weekender. You are always welcome!
- One ticket to attend the Weekender event in April 2024
- Drinks reception on Thursday 11th April at 7pm, all classes from 9am - 9pm Friday 12th and Saturday 13th April, AND classes 9am-3pm Sunday 14th April.
- Hot breakfast, Lunch and tea/coffee on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Dinner on Friday and Saturday night.
- Single en-suite accommodation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in the adjacent university accommodation building.
- Sax School shirt and welcome pack!
if for some reason you are unable to attend the Weekender once you have purchased a ticket, you can request a refund up until 30 days prior to the event. Unfortunately within 30 days of the event we are unable to issue a refund. Just reach out to our team if you need help here: [email protected]
Sorry, this event is strictly one ticket per person, so buy a ticket for each person you would like to attend.
Apart from your saxophone you will also need a music stand.
Really? I don't think that's an appropriate question! He will be around all weekend to answer your questions though!