Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra
Aberdeenshire
Saxophone Orchestra
THE PRESS AND JOURNAL
Saturday, December 7th, 2019
Band oozes sax appeal as it attracts new members
Music: Orchestra is still keen to boost its members as it tunes up for shows
BY KIRSTEN ROBERTSON
CHARITY PLAYERS: Standing, from left, are Zoë Sayer, Derek Jennings and Ben Armstrong with, seated from left, Emily Manson, Abigail Chambers and Emma Swanson of the Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra
The Aberdeenshire
Saxophone Orchestra
has hit all the right notes
with a recent call for new
members.
The burgeoning
orchestra was originally
formed 11 years ago as
a youth initiative in
Inverurie, but has recently
become a charity.
And after a recent call for
new recruits. it’s numbers
have been bolstered by 23
new members.
The charity brings
together saxophone players
from across the north-east
and now boasts players of
all ages, but there is still
​
"Music can also
work wonders
for improving
mental health"
a keen focus on inspiring
young people to get into
music.
Musicians are now
travelling to attend from
places such as Banff,
Mintlaw, Elgin and
Aberdeen.
The youngest member
is 10, while the oldest
is 77.
The group's Foss Foster, who previously played the
concertina, said taking up
saxophone "changed her
life" and now she hopes to
share that love with others.
The charity's mission
is to recruit as many
youngsters as possible,
with those under 16, or in
full time education,
enjoy participation with the orchestra free of charge.
Adults pay fees that helps keeps it running.
Ms Foster said "It is amazing to see children grow in confidence . Working alongside adults, at the same level makes such a difference to them
There are people from a
variety of backgrounds and
they are working so well
together.
‘Music really can
also work wonders for
improving mental health.”
The group works under
the direction of world-class
Musical director Richard
Ingham.
His works include
Music for the Book of
Deer, a 12-movement
suite celebrating the 10th
century portable gospel
book from Aberdeenshire.
Ms Foster added:
"Richard comes up from
Fife to work with us and
is also visiting tutor at
Aberdeen University.
“He’s amazing. He works
the same with beginners as
he does with professionals
and the end product is
always fantastic.”
The charity is still
looking to bolster its
troops and even has a small
collection of instruments
available to be loaned out.
It aims to hold at
least one large public performance a year as well as playing a variety of smaller events.
The next meeting is on January 26th.
To find out more, visit www.aberdeenshiresaxorchestra.co.uk or email info@aberdeensaxorchestra.co.uk
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