With me being a woodwind teacher, I've done bits of performing as part of my informal student concerts, and I perform regularly with the sax ensemble I play in, but I have recently agreed to play solo spots for 2 events soon...... eek!

I'm actually really looking forward to it and it gives me an incentive to practice effectively and to prepare to a high standard.

I'm playing this Sunday at the Imperial rooms in Matlock, Derbyshire and am playing a couple of Christmassy jazzy numbers, one is particularly fab and goes into a rip-roaring solo in the middle! I have decided to improvise the last section as I feel it is a bit of a let down after the brilliant middle bit!

Also, on Saturday 5th December, I'm playing 3 solo slots at Stapleford methodist church, Notts. 7.30pm start. I'll be playing 'Songs for Claire' in the first slot, then a mixture of upbeat, and also more meditative pieces, chosen to show off the versatality and expression/colours that the saxophones can produce.

I've had to get together some gear; speakers, amp, cd player, speaker stands etc, but i'm set now and mobile.

I'll report back if I survive the events!!!!

Saxgirl

Good luck! I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine! I also have my first solo performance too, absolutely terrified if I'm honest

best of luck to you too Fran, we can quake together!!! (just keep smiling!)

Oh, I'm quaking alright

Good wishes to you both. Just concentrate on putting the music across and forget your nerves, and it will go really well.

Break a leg

Have a great time, I am sure you will be FAB

Have fun, both of you, and the best of luck

All the best both Enjoy it

Best of luck to you both - hope it goes really well!

Lots of luck from us too! I was pleased (if a little surprised) to find a copy of "Songs for Claire" in our local music shop on Thursday and bought it for my daughter to have a go at. Of course, this means we have been able to listen to you playing on the CD, and you sound brilliant, so I'm sure your performances will be great .

Meanwhile my daughter, though initially a bit doubtful about "Songs", is now playing it in preference to everything else, and is really hoping she can talk her teacher into playing it with her at her next lesson.

Hey Saxgirl, how did Matlock go?

That's great, and i'm so glad she's enjoying it. A friend of mine is also a sax teacher and one of her students performed it for his A-level recital, achieving full marks, plus he emailed me personally to say how much the music moved him and how much he loved playing it....I still find it very humbling, and even a bit embarrased at times to accept the kind remarks, but thank you so much.

In reply to another post (sorry, i'm useless at trying to use multi-quotes!) the Matlock performance went REALLY well! I can't believe all the interest that was generated about the saxophone and my playing. I joined in with a jam session after which was great and kept me on the ball, improvising, modulating, playing largely in horrendous keys, and transposing at sight....great fun!

Hope my fellow forum performer had a good experience too.

Saxgirl

Yay! Glad it went well saxgirl

Sounds like you had a brilliant time.
And here was I having a sleeples night before my grade one clarinet exam not so long ago.
There is hope for me yet.
Glad it went well for you.

Glad to hear it went well - love your compositions!