Clinician Name: Glen Gillis E-mail Address: glen.gillis@usask.ca
Clinic Title: Sound Concepts for the Saxophonist
Clinic Synopsis: A formula for the production of a good characteristic saxophone tone and technique development involves several areas of attention. This presentation for teachers and students at all levels provides the nuts and bolts, and pedagogical approaches to both areas. Among the issues pertaining to solo and ensemble situations, the clinic will focus on basic fundamentals for success. Included with the presentation and handout will be several brief performance demonstrations and trouble-shooting tips.
What is the target audience for this clinic? Band/saxophone teachers and students at all grade levels
What will the audience take away from this clinic? From the clinic and hand out materials the attendees will receive practical information concerning sound fundamentals for saxophone playing at all levels of expertise.
What is included in the handout? Selected topics will include:
The Two “T’s” – Tone and Technical Development, Mechanics of Playing and Sequential Development, Breath Support and Expression - Hot vs. Cold Approaches, Conceptual Sounds for Classical and Jazz Styles, Pitch Control and Vibrato, Role of the Saxophone within the Ensemble, Beginner-Advanced Techniques, Historical Perspective and Significance, Equipment, Methods and Materials.
Is there anything else you would like attendees to know about this clinic? The clinician’s presentation draws upon decades of experience as a performers, educator, and conductor. This clinic will also address issues of the saxophonist both in solo and ensemble situations.
Biographical Information: Glen Gillis, Associate Professor of Music, teaches Saxophone, Music Education, and Conducting at the University of Saskatchewan. As an associate of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada), his diverse musical career has spanned over three decades. In 2009 he released SaxSpectrum through MSR Classics label (MS1328), displaying many of his compositions and commissioned works, all world premiere recordings.
Gillis has performed at numerous saxophone conferences, recorded for CBC Radio, and served as artist-in-residence at The Banff Centre in Alberta on numerous occasions. His articles on saxophone pedagogy, music education, and wind conducting can be found in the Canadian Music Educator and Canadian Winds. His compositions are published through Eighth Note Publications.
Sponsor: Conn-Selmer