Last week, it was a great privilege to welcome back OA Tom Richards to give a masterclass to our saxophonists. Following a couple of live performances on the tenor saxophone, Tom discussed his varied and interesting music career with Mr Stafford even revealing that he only commenced his saxophone studies aged 15 before winning a place at the Royal Academy of Music aged 18! Tom worked on improvisatory techniques alongside specific aspects of technique and breath control whilst there was time for our Jazz Combo to glean advice on structuring performances alongside ensemble balance and cohesion. The evening concluded with an improvisation class for all our sax players. We look forward to welcoming Tom back if his busy career allows, with a recent nomination for the Ivor Novello award for a song he has co-written with Raye!
