I’ve been playing with Sax Bandits for about a year now and would like to say thank you to everyone involved for making it so enjoyable!
My first experience with the saxophone was at my sister’s wedding. The saxophonist played to us sweetly as we enjoyed our dinner, and then played some serious solos during the evening party – to say my interest was sparked is an understatement. However, all I could play was a recorder!
I had started playing the recorder because my Grandad was a part of a band, so I thought why not have a go, then just as I was getting my fingers round the treble recorder my Grandad upgraded to the saxophone. A friend had lent him one so he could learn to play and join their group. However, he actually already owned a saxophone, bought from an old clarinet teacher for 2 pounds and 10 shillings!
We muddled along together on the two old saxophones until Grandad could see it was not just a passing craze and so he took me shopping to buy my own. Now it was time to get serious, a shiny new saxophone! He had started learning a few months before me and so he taught me all he knew (which didn’t take long!)
We had been talking about teachers or bands we could join to improve our playing, and what should come through the door… the ‘Round & About‘ magazine. Inside, was a photo of Rob Digweed with a huge smile on his face and lots of shiny saxophones and saxophonists behind him with the words, JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON!
So of course, we had to join. We knew Sax Bandits were playing a gig at the Fearlessly Odd Festival and went to take a look. We were so impressed and enjoyed every minute of their set. Everyone was enjoying themselves tapping their feet as they played the songs. We knew we’d found the band for us.
I expected our first band session to be a little daunting as I still didn’t know my A# from my Bb (and if I’m honest, I probably still don’t). However, with such positive and friendly people we both soon settled in. Nearly a year with the band and we still enjoy every moment. I always look forward to our monthly band sessions and preparing for our gigs, even the gigs in -6° weather!
Some people are surprised that I come to Sax Bandits with my Grandad. Our saxophone worlds overlap entirely, I even practice at his house, so why wouldn’t we enjoy playing side by side in the band also?
That’s brilliant, so lovely that you can play together and keep it in the family. And we love having you both in the band.