The Beau Soleil Woodwind Department offers students the exceptional opportunity to study with nationally known teachers specializing in the full complement of Woodwind instruments, including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone. Students can expect individual attention, high standards and a supportive learning environment. Our students work with a professional accompanist on repertoire throughout the year and have a wide range of opportunities to perform.Saxophone Master Classes
Saxophone Master Classes with members of the
CONNECTIONS SAXOPHONE QUARTET
(FRANCE/SOUTH AFRICA)
Cécile Dubois: After finishing her studies at the Regional Conservatoires in Lyon and Boulogne-Billancourt Cécile Dubois continued her studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris where she studied under Daniel Deffayet and then Claude Delange and David Walter. She was awarded the first prize with distinction in 1990. Throughout her career she has been awarded various awards, such as the UFAM and has been featured at many festivals and alongside various orchestras including the National Orchestra of Lyon, the Capitole Orchestra from Toulouse, the Paris Orchestra and many more. Since 1996 she has been the saxophone professor at the Conservatoire á Rayonnement Régional in Besançon. Her class comprises of students who come from all around France and other countries including China, Taiwan, Greece, Spain and South Africa.
Paul Richard: Born in France in 1986, Paul Richard started the saxophone at the age of eight and gained a place at the Conservatoire of Besançon in 2002. He obtained his bachelor of Musicology from the University of Franche-Comté and was awarded the First Prize for Chamber Music in 2007, as well as his Diploma of Musical Studies for Saxophone in 2010. After finishing his studies in France, Paul moved to South Africa where he taught Saxophone at the Durban Music School. Willing to carry on his studies, he registered at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, where he obtained distinctions for his BA Honours in Saxophone, Composition and Chamber Music in 2013. Paul won the Seventh Grahamstown Music Competition, which took place in June 2012. Paul is currently teaching Saxophone and Clarinet at Woodridge Preparatory and College in Port Elizabeth.
The Festival opens on Tuesday 17th February with a gala recital concert featuring Sir and Lady Galway accompanied by South African born pianist Anne Marshall. Ms Marshall accompanies the Galways across the globe and she will also accompany South African flautist Marlene Verwey who was awarded the Rising Star Award by the Galways in 2012. Ms Verwey now enjoys an international career but is excited to be invited back to be part of the festival. Her recital will take place on Friday 20th February .
Joshua Atwood-Palm is a grade 12 learner who specializes in saxophone and oboe. He has his own saxophone quartet at SACS and is active giving concerts around town. Joshua hopes to study overseas after he completes his final exams.