Dr. Andrew Allen from Midwestern State University shares his research about the saxophone ensemble.  From our founder Adolphe Sax to John Phillip Sousa, Sigurd Rascher, and the mordern ensembles today, the saxophone ensemble is a major part of promoting and demonstrating the saxophone.  Enjoy this journey through our instrument's history I believe is sure to inspire you to explore being in a large saxophone ensemble. 

Dr. Noah Getz's masterclass covers the important topic of voicing and gives some tips for exploring into the altissimo.  This is an excerpt out of his book Stratosphere which provides explanations and etudes for work in the alitssimo range.  The Rascher Top Tones and Sinta Voicing Books are also referenced and can be an important addition to your library and practice routine.  

Step into the void with Dr. Noah Getz in this guest spot with Mark and Eric.  We cover Noah's influences and work with Paul Cohen at Oberlin and Manhatten School of Music along with his studies at Florida State University with Dr. Patrick Meighan where he received his Doctorate.  Noah shares his devotion to his dissertation topic the Brant Concerto, and why we all need to take at adding the piece to our repertoire.  His book Stratoshpere is a must have for those wishing to explore having a confortable altissimo register.  A must have! Thanks to Noah Getz for coming on the show.   

Mark and Eric ask the age old question, "Does Marching Band help to improve you as a musician?".  These guys have plenty of experience both participating and teaching marching band.  They will have a few laughs and shed light on a few topics that might help you not only survive marching season, but come out on the other end ready for the next season! Band Directors, this is hopefully a perfect episod to sahre with your saxophone students who might need that extra bit of advice.  Thanks for listening.

What is this episode about? The proverbial “Elephant in the Room” is defined as a “question, solution, or controversial issue which is obvious to everyone who knows about the situation, but which is deliberately ignored because to do otherwise would cause great embarrassment, or trigger arguments or is simply taboo.  The idiom can imply a value judgement that hte issue ought to be discussed openly, ot it can simply be an acknowledgment that the issue is there and not going to go away by itself” – Wikipedia.  Mark and Eric may break a few unspoken rules in this episode and we are not going to reveal the elephant until we are good and ready.  Whew! HERE WE GO!

Programming is such a vital part of being a performing musician.  Jon Wintringham brings his vast experience and enthusiasm for program construction into this important masterclass.  WARNING! The information here may just enhance your willingness to prepare a well thought out music program for your audience.  We hope you are encouraged by this episode.  Write us at [email protected] to let us know how it impacts you. 

Mark & Eric share some thoughts on making sure you're ready for the beginning of school.  This checklist has some simple things, but if you haven't thought of them they might help you save a lot of time later when performance counts.  Check out our facebook group The Modern Saxophonist Community where we will post a written version of the check list so you can follow along and keep for a reminder.  Also, remember to subscribe on iTunes and follow us on Twitter @themodernsax.  BAND DIRECTORS please share with your students as this is meant to be a solid encouragement for every saxophonists success.  

Jonathan Wintringham joins Mark McArthur and Eric Bradley to talk about his recent travels to Japan and China for recitals and masterclasses.  Hear how Japan has influenced Jon though his studies and further concertizing while China is opening up their doors to learning saxophone with open arms.  We also discuss programming decisions and how his studies with Tim McAllister shaped him into the player he is today.   You can always find more episodes by subscibing on iTunes.  We will release his masterclass on recital programming on Monday 8/31

Dr. Rhonda Taylor shares some wisdom on establishing a system for learning a new work in three short steps.  I. Do Your Homework II. Analyze III. Listen.   Host Mark McArthur also adds some insights in a conversation that may just end up saving you some time in your practice room.  Please remember to check out our website at www.themodernsaxophonist.com and follow us on Twitter @themodernsax.    ENJOY!

Necropolis is the name of Dr. Rhonda Taylor's new CD.  Your host Mark McArthur interviews Rhonda about hte unique concept of the titles and process in which this CD came about.  When most think of improvised music they think jazz, but Dr. Taylor has some "haunting" information for the creation of the interesting sounds found on these tracks.  Rhonda will have a special teaching episode to be released next week.