Summer Saxophone Masterclasses with Sheri Brown

August 13, 2012 to August 17, 2012

Middle School Sessions, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
High School Sessions, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Developing saxophonists will progress towards mastery of the following technical and expressive aspects of their playing: tone production, intonation, technical proficiency, range, phrase shaping and musicality, ensemble blend, aural skills, and improvisation. This set of masterclasses will allow for the developing saxophonist to grow within both the classical and jazz idioms, delving into classical and jazz solo repertoire, and saxophone ensemble works. Explore the duality of your instrument, and how to continue developing after the week closes.

Daily Schedule

Middle School

9:00-9:05 Group Stretch
9:05-9:30 Warm-up, with a focus on breathing, tone, and intonation
9:30-10:00 Technique
10:00-10:30 Solo repertoire preparation, including sight-reading work
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-11:00 Masterclass Discussions- which look closely at instrument care and equipment, reed selection and care, and performance preparation, including managing performance anxiety.
11:00-11:30 Ensemble playing, including sight-reading work
11:30-12:00 Improvisation

High School

1:00-1:05 Group Stretch
1:05-1:30 Warm-up, with a focus on breathing, tone, and intonation
1:30-2:00 Technique
2:00-2:30 Solo repertoire preparation, including sight-reading work
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-3:00 Masterclass Discussions- which look closely at instrument care and equipment, reed selection and care, and performance preparation, including managing performance anxiety.
3:00-3:30 Ensemble playing, including sight-reading work
3:30-4:00 Improvisation

Program Highlights for both Middle School and High School Saxophonists:

Building a Beautiful, Characteristic Tone on the Saxophone
Improving Intonation
Building Technical Facility
Building on the Basics: Jazz Theory and Improvisational Devices
Introduction to Regional and All-State Level Repertoire
Developing an Understanding of Appropriate Equipment and Instrument Care

Middle School students should have a minimum of two years of playing experience before enrolling in this program. High School students should have a minimum of three years of playing experience before enrolling. Students who wish to enroll, but do not have the required experience should request an audition. To arrange for an audition please contact Margaret Wyporek, HCD Music Program Manager, at wyporek@hartford.edu or (860) 768-4718.

About Sheri Brown

Education: M.M. in Saxophone Performance, The Hartt School (2006); B.M. in Music Education, Michigan State University (2003)
Studied with Carrie Kofman, Joseph Lulloff, Eric Lau, and Andrew Speight
Teaching experience includes: Teaching Associate in Saxophone at Boston University (February 2006-May 2007); Hartt freshman saxophone quartet coach (2004-2005); private saxophone studio in Michigan (2000-2004); Early Childhood/Young Musicians teacher, Michigan State University Community Music School (2000-2004)
Competitions: Winner, Hartt Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition (2005); Finalist, North American Saxophone Alliance National Classical Competition (2006); Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2003); Adolphe Sax International Competition in Dinant, Belgium (2002); Winner, MSU Honors Concerto Competition (2002)
Performance experience includes: 016 New Music Ensemble, World Saxophone Congress in Minneapolis, MN (2003); North American Saxophone Alliance Regional and National Conferences; Performance 20/20, Hartt's honors chamber music program; a concert with the U.S. Coast Guard Band; solo and chamber music recitals; masterclasses
Hartt Community Division faculty member since 2004