CSU Saxophone Studio
Saxophone majors at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music are rigorously trained in the art of performance through the study of solo repertoire and playing in various ensembles, from large groups like the outstanding CSU Wind Ensemble to competitive saxophone quartets of the highest calibre. Saxophonists in the Schwob School of Music are also fortunate to have regular opportunities to perform with the CSU Philharmonic Orchestra, which frequently presents orchestral works requiring saxophone such as Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. The Schwob School of Music is home to other thriving and dynamic ensembles including the Contemporary Ensemble, the CSU Jazz Ensemble, and a wide array of small jazz groups and mixed chamber ensembles.
A day in the life of a CSU saxophonist is a stimulating and fast-paced event which typically involves diverse musical activities such as rehearsing a solo with a pianist, performing with a saxophone quartet, being coached for the world premiere of a composition in the Contemporary Ensemble, or playing in a jam session with a jazz sextet.
CSU saxophonists gain experience performing on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones in every possible context, from solo repertoire to chamber music to large ensembles.
Each year brings different guest artists giving concerts and masterclasses in the Schwob School of Music. Recent guest saxophonists include Otis Murphy, Steven Stusek, James Houlik, Steven Mauk, Griffin Campbell, Susan Fancher, and Stephen Pollock among others.
The saxophone studio and the Schwob School of Music have hosted a number of saxophone events such as the North American Saxophone Alliance’s Region VI conference and the Saxtravaganza Saxophone Ensemble Festival. Dr. Griffiths and the CSU Saxophone Studio will host the 1st International Saxophone Symposium And Competition (ISSAC) to be held in the Schwob School of Music on October 25-28, 2012. Along with the competition itself, this event will feature a recital and masterclass by world-renowned saxophonist Claude Delangle, as well as numerous other masterclasses by various international saxophonists.
The saxophone studio comprises undergraduates and typically one or two graduate students. CSU offers the following music degrees: Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Music in Performance, and the Artist Diploma (a post-baccalaureate performance certificate). To complement these degrees, several minor areas of study are offered such as the Minor in Jazz Studies.
For details about the CSU Saxophone Studio, please visit the saxophone studio website. Additional information can also be found on the studio facebook page: CSU's Schwob School of Music Saxophone Studio. Please contact Dr. Griffiths directly for specific information regarding saxophone study at CSU’s Schwob School of Music.
Audio samples of CSU saxophone majors:
CSU saxophone students in a live performance with the CSU Wind Ensemble of Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs, conducted by Dr. Jamie Nix
CSU’s Resalta Saxophone Quartet in a live performance of Grainger’s Molly on the Shore, arr. William May
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