Grisham Saxophone Ensemble

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Grisham Saxophone Ensemble is a part of the Grisham Band program in Austin, TX. At Grisham Middle School, band begins in sixth grade. Mr. England and Mr. Estrada teach approximately 50-60 beginning band students daily in homogeneous classes. All band students from 6th-8th grade participate in a variety of performance styles including individual Solo Recitals, Chamber Ensembles and full ensemble concerts. Both the Honors and Symphonic Bands participate yearly in the University Interscholastic League evaluation and have received sweepstakes awards consistently. The Grisham Honors band has won the National Mark of Excellence Award every year from 2008-2014, as well as from 2022-present. The Grisham Honors Band was recently invited to perform at The 79th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. The Grisham Saxophone Ensemble has been growing over the last three years at Grisham Middle School, performing more and more each year at various venues for the Grisham community. This ensemble began due to student interest in chamber music and has expanded significantly over the years. This ensemble rehearses both during the school day and outside of the school day. For the Saxophones, chamber music beings in 6th grade, where the students learn saxophone ensemble trios and quartets early on and perform at several events during their beginner year.

Grisham Saxophone Ensemble

Conductor's Bio

Mason England is in his sixth year of teaching and has served as the Director of Bands at Grisham Middle School in Austin, Texas, since the fall of 2022. Prior to coming to Grisham, Mr. England served as the Director of Bands at Manor Middle School in Manor, Texas and in Brownfield ISD in Brownfield, Texas. His teaching responsibilities at Grisham include directing the Honors Band, the Saxophone Ensemble, assisting with the Symphonic Band, and teaching the beginning Flute, Double Reed, Clarinet, and Saxophone Classes. Since beginning his career in music education, ensembles under Mr. England’s baton have received consistent Sweepstakes ratings in the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations, as well as earning Best in Class and Outstanding Performance awards at festivals around the state of Texas. Under Mr. England’s direction, the Grisham Honors Band placed 3rd in the TMEA CC Honor Band Finals, and has been a consistent recipient of the National Mark of Excellence Award for Wind Band Honors. The Grisham Honors Band was recently invited to perform at the 79th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. Mr. England has been published in the National Band Association Journal and has presented clinics at state conferences in both Michigan and Texas. Before moving to Texas, Mr. England received his undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. In addition to his teaching at Grisham Middle School, Mr. England is an active clinician for band programs in both Michigan and Texas. Mr. England is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of young musicians in Central Texas. He believes in creating a supportive and inspiring environment where students can thrive and develop a lifelong passion for music and performing.