We are very excited to invite you to another thrilling event in our 2013 concert/clinc series at Saxquest. On Sunday, May 19, we will be hosting Bob Sheppard at the Saxquest shop, from3pm- 5pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Bob Sheppard has played with an impressive list of talent in the world of jazz, rock and pop. Highly celebrated for his work with Steely Dan and his recent Grammy winning work with Joni Mitchell, Sheppard also has worked extensively with Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver and Chic Corea, just to name a few. You can also check Bob out on his recent studio release “Close Your Eyes” recorded for BFM Jazz in 2010. Having received a Masters Degree from the Eastman School of Music, Bob is a currently on faculty at the USC Thorton School of Music.

This event will be an informal performance and clinic. It is a great opportunity to get up close to a fantastic musician in a small, intimate setting. Please continue to show your support, we hope to see you there! We’d like to thank MacSax for helping sponsor this event.

Saxquest is pleased to welcome Joel Vanderheyden and his group Koplant No on Saturday, May 11, from2pm – 4pm, as part of our Concert Series. This event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Vanderheyden is a seasoned performer and clinician in both jazz and classical styles. He received his D.M.A. from the University of Iowa, studying classical saxophone with Kenneth Tse, and his M.M. from the University of Maryland, studying jazz with Chris Vadala. This has led to a very well rounded approach to the saxophone and musical expression. Vanderheyden has performed across the USA and in Europe, and is currently Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO.

Koplant No is a forward thinking ensemble that incorporates elements of jazz, electronic music, and progressive rock. They have been developing their unique sound in a variety of venues since 2007. The group is made up of Vanderheyden on saxes, Brian Lewis Smith on trumpet and laptop, Drew Morton on bass, and Rob Baner on drums and samples.

We encourage you to come for some great music, this will be a fantastic event to check out! We’d like to thank RICO Reeds for helping sponsor this event.

This week on Saturday (April 20) 1-3PM we’re honored to be hosting a clarinet masterclass with St. Louis Symphony clarinetist, Diana Haskell. Students from around the St. Louis area have submitted their applications and recordings. 4 students were selected to perform individually and 3 were selected to participate in a group masterclass. Thanks to everyone who sent in materials. We’re delighted to be able to provide these kind of opportunities.

Please pass the word along to anyone interested in clarinet. It will be a great learning experience for both participants and spectators.

As always, this event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

Diana Haskell is Associate Principal Clarinet and Eb Clarinet with the St. Louis Symphony. Her students may be found in orchestras, military bands, as conductors in public/private school bands and orchestras, and as private instructors around the country. Ms. Haskell plays on Vandoren and Bob Scott mouthpieces, Vandoren and Brian Hermanson reeds, Bonade ligatures and Buffet R-13 clarinets.

This week on Saturday (April 13) 3-5PM we’ll be hosting a Saxquest clinic with world-renown clarinetist, Charles West. Often referred to as “the most recorded clarinetist in American Academia,” this is a rare and valuable opportunity to talk one-on-one and glean some insights from a truly world-class clarinetist.

As always, this event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

Charles West is an orchestral, chamber and solo clarinetist and a conductor, performing throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. His recorded repertoire ranges from standard sonatas to avant-garde, on labels which include Klaver, Wilson Audiophile, Centaur, CRI, Crystal and he is heard on a Grammy Award-winning 1993 Telarc CD.

West has been a Fulbright Scholar, and he has been President of the International Clarinet Association. His career has included nearly thirty years as Principal Clarinetist in six different professional orchestras and opera companies on two continents, and he has held teaching positions in three North American universities, with guest professorships in South America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, The People’s Republic of China and Australia. He has been Conductor of Orchestras and opera conductor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and has served as conductor or adjudicator throughout the U.S. During his seven-year tenure as Conductor of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, the orchestra became recognized regionally for its standard of excellence.

Dr. West is presently Professor of Music and Coordinator of Winds & Percussion at Virginia Commonwealth University, conductor of the Youth Orchestra of Central Virginia, and Artist-Clinician for the Buffet Crampon Corporation. In 2008 Meredith Music Publications published his book, “The Woodwind Player’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Performance,” and in 2011 the VCU School of the Arts awarded him its highest faculty honor, the Award of Excellence.

Please mark your calendars for another great event at Saxquest. On Wednesday evening, March 13, we will be hosting the Adam Larson Quintet from 6pm – 8pm. This is a free event and open to the public.

Adam Larson is an amazing up-and-coming tenor saxophonist based out of New York, where he is in the Masters program at the Manhattan School of Music. As a leader and sideman Adam has been part of several tours across the country and around the world, and also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician and masterclass presenter. He recently debuted his first album, “Simple Beauty” in January and all ready has plans for a follow-up in the next year. The quintet is rounded out by :

Nils Weinhold – guitar
Can Olgun – piano
Martin Nevin – bass
Jason Burger – drums

We last hosted Mr. Larson in 2011 and attendees were blown away by his technical facility and creativity. The Adam Larson Quintet is currently touring through the Midwest, and is a pleasure to have them at the shop again. Adam endorses P. Mauriat saxophones and we’d like to thank them for helping put this together. Please come out for some great music!!