Sax at Seventy

Yes, you heard right…

I’ve been learning sax for about 5 years now. I’ve done some hard things in my life but taking up a musical instrument for the first time at the age of 70 and trying to get the right notes in the right order at the right time has to rank as one of the most challenging… trying to make progress as your sensory-motor skills diminish! It’s easy to get depressed when you start out and feel you’ll never be able to do it, so you need a lot of encouragement as well as guidance. And you need to have a sense of achievement. 

On the positive side being retired means I have more time at my disposal and I can practice during the day when most of my neighbours aren’t there! I began by doing grades and enjoyed playing the pieces but must confess I rarely play scales nowadays. It’s like eating oily fish or going for a run, I know they’re good for me but…

So I decided to just play what I enjoyed playing – Cole Porter, Gershwin, Bernstein, Beatles etc. I downloaded “Real Books” and usually play a selection of standards every day, things like “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “It’s Only a Papermoon”, “Makin’ Whoopee”, “My baby just Cares for me”, etc. I stretch myself with things that involve low and high notes. I still can’t hit low Bb and C# and high F and F# with fluidity (I know what you’ll say…)

Rehearsals really get the endorphins going!

I joined the the Oxfordshire Music Service Sax Ensemble and the Bicester Concert Band. That’s where I heard about Sax Bandits. The repertoire of rock and pop, arranged by Rob, is fun, usually in 4/4 with a strong beat, and satisfying to play. I like the friendly laid-back atmosphere and feel relaxed, mercifully free from fear of playing wrong notes! It gives you confidence. Being able to be part of a band and make music with others of all ages and levels of skill is a heady experience, rehearsals really get the endorphins going! I’ve learnt a lot from Rob’s leading and from the people playing next to me. I always feel good on the way home.

Written by Steve Wilson. Member since 2018.