Educational Program for Elementary Schools

Additional brochure for school programs

• Biography
• Program Description
• Equipment Requirements
• Program Fee
• Scheduling and Booking Information

Biography:

The Washington Saxophone Quartet has been playing for audiences of all ages for over 20 years, and these concerts have been heard on radio and television world wide. On the quartet's 1997 tour of China, the members of the quartet were honored by a concert given by a large student saxophone ensemble in Beijing. This ensemble, the first student saxophone ensemble in China, was formed after the students heard a WSaxQ concert from a previous concert tour in 1995. The WSaxQ relates to audiences of all ages because of an incredible wealth of experience in both the professional and educational fields. Members of the quartet have literally played around the world in various settings of jazz and classical music. In addition, members of WSaxQ have all taught in educational settings from elementary through university. The quartet has performed master classes and concerts for young people in the Caribbean, China, and the United States. As past or present members of the elite "special" military bands in Washington, D.C., performers in WSaxQ have performed literally thousands of concerts for schools throughout the United States. This experience gives the quartet a rare insight into concerts for young people.

Program Description

Elements of Music is a fun, interactive program that teaches students about three of the essentials of music: melody, rhythm, and harmony. Students participate throughout the program by singing and clapping, and a small group of students will perform with the quartet on one selection. By the end of the program, the students will not only know the meaning of these music elements, they will also be able to better understand the music in their lives. A multi-cultural approach is used with music from Ireland, Brazil, China, and the United States. The students will be introduced to Scott Joplin, an African-American who became one of America's most popular composers. Study guides are sent to the school several weeks in advance to enhance student participation during the program. The section-by section outline below includes music performed and program content:

1. Introduction - WSaxQ starts with performance of Fascinatin' Rhythm , by George Gershwin. Members of the quartet will be introduced and the program will be explained.

2. Melody - With the use of a skit, dialogue, and audience participation, the term "melody" will be learned. Londonderry Air (Danny Boy) will be performed to demonstrate.

3. Rhythm - Students will learn and clap the rhythm of a samba, and a small group of volunteers will be asked to play rhythm instruments while the quartet plays the 4th movement of South American Suite , by Lino Florenzo.

4. Harmony - Students will listen to examples of harmony performed by the quartet.
The Chinese folk song Jasmine will be used to demonstrate, both with and without the harmony.

5. Conclusion - Members of the quartet will play and discuss all three elements and how they fit together in Something Doin' , by Scott Joplin.

Equipment Requirements

The quartet is self-contained and needs no additional equipment from the school. We will need a public address system with one microphone for audiences numbering over 100. You will be contacted before the program to discuss any special problems your performance space might have.

Program Fee

The fee for the Washington Saxophone Quartet program "The Elements of Music" is $600.00 for one performance, or $800.00 for two performances scheduled "back-to-back". The two-performance fee applies only if both programs as scheduled in the morning or both in the afternoon. The program is designed to last from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your schedule. Your school may qualify for a fee subsidy from a number of arts agencies, and the quartet will assist in obtaining and filling any application forms.

Scheduling and Booking Information

To contact the Washington Saxophone Quartet for booking or more information, call Rich Kleinfeldt at (703) 812-8683. If you are connected to our answering machine, please leave your name, the name of your school, the time you called, and when you would like to schedule the quartet (or any information you would like).

E-mail us: wsaxq@aol.com

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