Saxophone ensembles have evolved into a versatile format that highlights the range and depth of the saxophone family. From intimate quartets to larger, more powerful saxophone choirs, these groups showcase the full harmonic spectrum of the saxophone, performing everything from classical and jazz to contemporary and experimental works. In this post, we’ll explore notable saxophone ensembles, including saxophone choirs, and the specific saxophones they use. We’ll also highlight saxophone choirs such as the Saxophone Choir of Great Britain, San Francisco Saxophone Choir, San Jose Saxophone Choir, and San Diego Saxophone Choir, each contributing to the rich history of this fascinating musical form.
1. The Raschèr Saxophone Quartet (1969–Present)
The Raschèr Saxophone Quartet is one of the most highly regarded saxophone ensembles, with a focus on classical and contemporary music. Formed in 1969, this group continues to set the standard for saxophone quartet performance worldwide.
- Saxophones Used:
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
The quartet has performed at prestigious venues around the world and has expanded the classical saxophone repertoire with many new works composed specifically for them. Their performances are characterized by precision and a refined tonal quality, making them a hallmark of saxophone quartet excellence.
2. PRISM Quartet (1984–Present)
The PRISM Quartet, formed in 1984, is another influential ensemble that has pioneered new works for the saxophone and regularly collaborates with composers to push the boundaries of saxophone performance.
- Saxophones Used:
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
PRISM performs a diverse array of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, frequently incorporating elements from different musical traditions into their performances. Known for their creative programming, PRISM is one of the most forward-thinking ensembles in the saxophone world.
3. The Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra (1977–2011)
The Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra was known for its playful and engaging performances, featuring the full range of the saxophone family, including some of the rarest and largest instruments.
- Saxophones Used:
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Bass Saxophone
- Contrabass Saxophone (a highlight of their performances)
Formed in 1977, the Nuclear Whales gained international fame for their unique blend of classical, jazz, and popular music, performed with humor and flair. Their use of the contrabass saxophone, a rare and massive instrument, was one of their trademarks, making their performances both visually and musically impressive. The group disbanded in 2011, but their influence remains in the saxophone community.
4. The Saxophone Choir of Great Britain
The Saxophone Choir of Great Britain is a prominent saxophone ensemble that has contributed significantly to the UK’s music scene. Comprised of saxophonists from across the country, the choir explores a broad range of repertoire, including classical transcriptions, contemporary works, and new commissions for saxophone choir.
- Saxophones Used:
- Sopranino Saxophone (occasionally)
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Bass Saxophone
The Saxophone Choir of Great Britain is known for its powerful sound and dynamic range. The ensemble regularly performs at festivals, conferences, and special events, showcasing the saxophone’s versatility in a large-group format.
5. San Francisco Saxophone Choir (1975–Present)
The San Francisco Saxophone Choir is one of the longest-running saxophone choirs in the United States, performing since 1975. This ensemble is noted for its dedication to expanding the repertoire for large saxophone groups and providing opportunities for local musicians to perform together.
- Saxophones Used:
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Bass Saxophone
The San Francisco Saxophone Choir performs a wide variety of music, including classical, jazz, and contemporary works. The ensemble’s community-oriented mission includes outreach performances and collaborations with local composers, further enriching the regional music scene.
6. San Jose Saxophone Choir
The San Jose Saxophone Choir is another important ensemble in California’s vibrant saxophone scene. This choir performs a mix of classical, jazz, and popular arrangements, demonstrating the saxophone’s versatility as a choir instrument.
- Saxophones Used:
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Bass Saxophone
The San Jose Saxophone Choir frequently performs at local events, music festivals, and educational programs. They are known for their rich, harmonic sound and creative arrangements, making them a key part of the saxophone choir tradition on the West Coast.
7. San Diego Saxophone Choir
The San Diego Saxophone Choir rounds out the vibrant California saxophone choir scene, bringing together musicians from Southern California to explore a diverse repertoire.
- Saxophones Used:
- Soprano Saxophone
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone Saxophone
- Bass Saxophone
Like other saxophone choirs, the San Diego Saxophone Choir performs a broad range of music, from classical transcriptions to contemporary and jazz works. Their performances often include collaborations with local composers and educators, helping to cultivate a thriving saxophone community in the region.
Saxophone Choirs: An Expansive Musical Format
Saxophone choirs differ from quartets and smaller ensembles by featuring multiple saxophones in each part, creating a fuller and more orchestral sound. These choirs often perform:
- Classical Transcriptions: Many saxophone choirs arrange works originally written for orchestra or wind band, adapting pieces by composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.
- Contemporary Works: New music is continually being written for saxophone choirs, expanding the instrument’s repertoire and exploring modern techniques and styles.
- Jazz and Popular Music: Many choirs also perform jazz standards or pop arrangements, further demonstrating the saxophone’s versatility across genres.
The variety of saxophones used in these choirs—from the high-pitched sopranino to the deep, resonant bass and contrabass saxophones—creates a wide tonal range that can mimic the richness of a full orchestra’s wind section.
Conclusion
Saxophone ensembles, from quartets like the Raschèr Quartet to larger saxophone choirs like the Saxophone Choir of Great Britain, offer a unique and captivating way to experience the instrument. Groups like the San Francisco Saxophone Choir, San Jose Saxophone Choir, and San Diego Saxophone Choir highlight the growing popularity of this format in the U.S., while ensembles like the Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra have proven how creative and engaging saxophone performance can be.
Saxophone choirs provide a platform for musicians to explore the full range of the saxophone family, showcasing both traditional and modern compositions. Whether performing classical transcriptions or avant-garde contemporary music, these ensembles demonstrate the saxophone’s enduring appeal and its ability to captivate audiences with its unique sound.