PHILOSOPHY: Chamber Music is one of three main categories of performance for a musician, the other two being solo and large ensemble performance. Performing well in a chamber music group requires substantial personal commitment to individual preparation, personal and musical cohesion with the other members of the group, commitment to playing in tune, and the development of leadership within the group. Membership in a saxophone quartet will enable each member to grow substantially in each of these categories.

REQUIREMENTS: Each saxophone quartet will rehearse one (1) hour per week with the teacher, and a minimum of two (2) hours per week without the teacher. The un-coached rehearsal will enable the group to assume a greater responsibility in their own musical progress and the growth of its internal leadership. Each group will perform in a seminar or other recital, as well as in at least one studio class each semester.

ATTENDANCE: There are no excused absences from rehearsals, as the quartet cannot function with only 3 members present. Any student who must miss a scheduled rehearsal for any reason must contact the other members of the quartet, and the ensemble’s coach prior to the rehearsal. Any absence for reasons other than illness cannot be rescheduled, and will be considered unexcused.

PERFORMANCE: Each graduate chamber ensemble will be required to perform a recital or major competition in each semester. The recital should be no less than a half (25-30 minutes of music) but whenever possible should be a full length (50-55 minutes of music) recital.

GRADING: The grade for each member of the saxophone quartet will be a reflection of how that group rehearsed and performed in that semester. Factors in this will include the following: intonation, timbre, amount of literature learned, and the number of performances. Any unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the student’s letter grade.