Today, The College of New Jersey hosted their annual “TCNJ Saxophone Summit 2020.”
This year’s event boasted over 50 college and high school age participants as well as TCNJ faculty and educators from the all around New Jersey. This 3rd annual festival for saxophonists is the brain child of TCNJ Instructor of Saxophone Kathleen Mitchell.
Mitchell is a formidable talent and pedagogue who has studied with Dr. Frederick L. Hemke at Northwestern University and also with Marshall Taylor at Temple University in Philadelphia. Her orchestral experience includes saxophone performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Reading Symphony, Allentown Symphony, and Haddonfield Symphony among others. Ms. Mitchell also presented a thorough and insightful masterclass for the many who were in attendance.
In addition to the masterclass presented by Ms. Mitchell, TCNJ student saxophone ensembles performed a variety of quartet pieces spanning from classical to jazz and pop. Before and after the student ensembles Mitchell rehearsed the immense saxophone choir on Nimrod, Shenandoah, Overture from Candide and several other well known pieces for saxophone choir.
Lastly but not least, Coles Music Service of Sewell, NJ was in attendance with many of their fine instruments and mouthpieces on display and for trial.
The day culminated with a 50+ member Saxophone Choir playing a short program of pieces rehearsed earlier in the day .
It was a long day. It was a great day!
Thanks to Kathy Mitchell for including me and creating some beautiful saxophone music with a group of very talented people.
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