Jazz and saxophone project in Norwich church
Well-known Christian musician David Fitzgerald is set to launch an exciting new project within his popular jazz and saxophone ensembles for aspiring musicians, run in a Norwich church.
My professional career in music began at the age of 15, on entering the prestigious Royal Marines School of Music in Deal, Kent. From there I travelled the world, performing within the Bands of HM Royal Marines for 10 years (as Principal Flute and Saxophonist). I then moved into a wider international music career, touring and recording for bands, orchestras and singers within various musical styles and genres (including extensive work for the BBC and recording at Abbey Road, CTS, ICC and Mountain Studios in Montreux).
My family and I moved to Norwich in the late 1990s. I have been a teacher (of flute and saxophone) as well as director of school jazz bands and saxophone ensembles within some of the finest music departments here in Norwich, including Norwich School, Notre Dame High School and the Guildhall Youth Academy (formerly Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians).
In 2021 I established my own Saturday morning Music School – ‘SaxWorld’, which consists of two saxophone ensembles: Junior Saxology & Saxology (names that I first initiated for my saxophone ensembles within schools). These have grown and developed significantly.
I believe that there should be no age limit for those wishing to become a member of my ensembles. There is an increasing need for pupils of all ages to have the chance to find a musical and creative home. We have set full safeguarding protocols in place - those attending, above the age of 18 do need to be registered through DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
SaxWorld is an encouraging, creative and progressive environment where aspiring musicians can make music together, at varying levels or standards of playing – starting with my Junior Saxophone ensemble, designed for players at the early stages of their music study, on to my more advanced Saxophone ensemble – Saxology.
Due to the success of SaxWorld I decided to establish JazzWorld in 2023. At present we have one ensemble, called Jazzology. We have a superb saxophone section and have welcomed some truly gifted new members within our brass and rhythm section.
2024 will be the year that we establish a full brass and rhythm section for Jazzology. Do come come and join us on Saturday mornings (during school term-times) and enjoy exploring a widening repertoire of some of the finest jazz music written for jazz ensembles. We would especially welcome players of trumpet, trombone, bass, guitar and piano/keyboards.
We meet on Saturday mornings at the St Anne’s ‘Crossroads Church Hall, Colman Road:
9.00 am Junior Saxology – (Grade 1-4 level)
10.15 am Saxology – (Grade 5-8 level)
11.30 am Jazzology – (Grade 5-8 level)
Voluntary support team member, Rachel Ray, said: “There are very few, if any opportunities in Norfolk for adult learners like me to play with other musicians and learn how to really develop that skill. The SaxWorld and JazzWorld ensembles are great. Not only do we have the expert tuition of professional musician and teacher David Fitzgerald, it is also a really friendly and welcoming place to meet other musicians and to play together. We range in age and ability and love helping, supporting and inspiring each other and enjoy playing some great music!”
Find out more at www.saxworld.co.uk
Read more about David Fitzgerald on Network Norfolk.
Pictured above is one of the saxophone ensembles practising in Norwich.