I remember the occasion as if it were only yesterday when one morning in January 2018 my adult daughter said “Mum, can I sell my flute and saxophone?”. Somewhat shocked by the question I responded, “You can sell the flute but not the saxophone”. “Why?” she replied. “Because I am going to learn to play it one day”, to which she reminded me that I had been saying that for years!
Purchased in 1999, the second-hand Yamaha YTS25 Tenor Saxophone had not seen light of day for around 15 years since my daughter ceased her band commitments at school and Hillingdon Music Services.
Fate Comes Calling
A few days after our conversation, as if by fate, I came across an advert for saxophone and clarinet lessons with a certain Rob Digweed on our local facebook community group. After a few days of deliberation, I plucked up enough courage to email Rob. I explained I was an absolute novice with no musical ability or experience and he replied with positivity and encouragement, advising me to get the instrument checked over by Dawkes Music and to book in a taster lesson.
I begged my daughter to come with me as I was so nervous for my first lesson but I felt elated when I came out of there not only able to make a sound, but playing notes which vaguely resembled B, A and G!
With the weekly face to face lessons gradual progress ensued. It certainly wasn’t an easy task being in your 50’s trying to learn to read music from scratch. Just as I was getting to grips with one thing Rob would challenge me with something new. In those early days I frequently felt that I was out of my depth but I am so glad that I stuck with it. Two months later, I remember feeling so proud following the first recording we made of me playing ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’.
My First Band Session
In December that year, I watched Sax Bandits perform their Christmas Busking Bash in Twyford and remember thinking how amazing it would have been to be part of it too… then in early 2019 Rob encouraged me to join the band!
Anxiety was prevalent with my first session approaching very quickly and to say I was extremely nervous was a huge understatement. I was both physically and mentally on edge in case I got a note or rhythm wrong. Come the interval Rob settled my nerves with some encouraging words;
“Play what you can to start with and then every following session is an opportunity to play a little more, until you get to a point where you can play most of it comfortably”.
The playalong tracks and video tutorials were also a significant help and soon had me playing in the band sessions with confidence.
My First Gig
As Sunday 1st December 2019 arrived, it was time for my first ever gig, playing with Sax Bandits as part of the Henley Living Advent Calendar. Having practised like crazy during the run up I felt confident to play out our Christmas tunes with the rest of the band, particularly enjoying the ‘Rockin’ SaXmas Medley’.
I had achieved my first objective to join the band and play in public; it felt truly amazing and I was buzzing! This was my first exposure to this level of musical euphoria, the adrenalin was pumping and I just wanted to do it all again.
Since Then…
Unfortunately the covid pandemic followed in 2020 putting a stop to band sessions and gigs for a while. However, Sax Bandits continued and kept its band members involved with a series of lockdown videos. I moved my saxophone lessons online and continued to progress.
I have subsequently taken part in all the Sax Bandits’ gigs; including Fearlessly Odd Festival, Bunkfest 2022 and Bunkfest 2023, Fawley Hill Steam & Vintage Festival, and the annual Christmas Busking Bash. I’m still loving it and I can’t wait for the next one!
Love this story Jan gives me hope and confidence I will get there too.