Friday Fun: Saxophones Perform “Rite of Spring” from Memory!

The Eastman Saxophone Project is a great example of an “alternative” ensemble that is finding an exciting niche in the music world.  The group embodies several important qualities represented by successful alternative ensembles – excellence, innovation, and uniqueness – and students in the ensemble are learning new ways to present classical music and engage their audiences.  You may have seen our recent announcements about The Paul R. Judy Center for Applied Research – a new hub for studying alternative ensembles and furthering the efforts of musicians to create and sustain innovative ensembles. Read more here.

In the video below, the Eastman Saxophone Project performs Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring from memory, without a conductor!  There’s no doubt that they have created something very engaging for the audience by thinking about what makes them unique, creating an excellent product, and promoting themselves very effectively.  That is what an alternative ensemble is all about!  Enjoy!

 

About the author

Stephen Danyew
Stephen Danyew

Steve Danyew is a composer, saxophonist, teacher, and arts administrator based in Rochester, NY. Danyew composes works for chamber ensembles, large instrumental ensembles, choirs and more, and currently serves as Managing Editor of Polyphonic.org. His music has been hailed as “startlingly beautiful” and “undeniably well crafted and communicative” by the Miami Herald, and has been praised as possessing “sensitivity, skill and tremendous sophistication” by the Kansas City Independent. Steve received a B.M. cum laude, Pi Kappa Lambda from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and holds an M.M. in Composition and Certificate in Arts Leadership from the Eastman School of Music.