Elder Conservatorium of Music: Saxophone Mega Day

Date: Saturday 17 May 2025
Time: 10:30am–5:00pm
Venue: Hartley Concert Room, The University of Adelaide
Registration Fee: $20 (plus booking fee)

A full day dedicated to all things saxophone! Whether you're a student, teacher, or passionate sax enthusiast, the Elder Conservatorium's Saxophone Mega Day offers a jam-packed schedule of workshops, performances, and expert sessions.

Enjoy the opportunity to try new equipment, thanks to Grevillea Distributions and Presto Music — including saxophones, mouthpieces, and both cane and synthetic reeds. Plus, be the first in the country to try Vandoren’s limited edition titanium saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces!

Bring your instrument, your questions, and your love of music—this is a Mega Day not to be missed!

Special Guests:
🎷 Nexas Saxophone Quartet — one of Australia’s leading saxophone ensembles.
🎷 Sarah Byron — saxophonist and educator extraordinaire.
🎷 Bruce Jacobson — from Grevillea Distributions, here to talk all things gear.
🎷 Simon Clarke — Presto Music's saxophone historian.
🎷 Nathan Henshaw — blending jazz and classical worlds.

Program Highlights:

10:30am: Welcome and Registration
Check in, grab your name tag, and get ready for a fun-filled day of music-making and saxophone community.

11:00am: Warm-Up and Saxophone Choir with Sarah Byron
Start the day with a group warm-up led by Sarah Byron, followed by a large-scale saxophone choir rehearsal that brings everyone together in sound.

12:00pm: Session 1 - Gear Session with Bruce Jacobson (Grevillea Distributions)
Explore the latest in saxophone gear and accessories, with expert insights from Bruce Jacobson on reeds, mouthpieces, maintenance, and more.

1:00pm: Lunch Break
Take a break, refuel, and connect with fellow saxophonists over lunch (BYO or enjoy nearby cafes). Have some time to try out some new gear!

1:30pm: Session 2 - Historical Saxophones with Simon Clarke (Presto Music)
Dive into the rich history of the saxophone, with rare instruments on display and stories of how the sax has evolved through time.

2:30pm: Masterclass with Members of the Nexas Quartet
Watch and learn as members of Nexas coach selected performers, sharing professional tips on tone, technique, and musical interpretation.

3:30pm: Break
Your final chance to try new equipment

4:00pm: Session 3 - Crossing Over with Nathan Henshaw
Explore how to move between jazz and classical styles, with practical advice and musical examples from versatile performer Nathan Henshaw.

5:00pm: Mini Concert featuring Nexas Quartet & Saxophone Choir
Celebrate the day with a short concert showcasing the Nexas Quartet and the Mega Day Saxophone Choir in a joyful finale.

5:30pm: Finish
A big thank you and farewell — leave inspired, informed, and buzzing with saxophone energy!

Event Sponsors

Proudly supported by Presto Music and Presto Musical Repairs, Vandoren, and Légère.

Last Updated 16 April 2025.