Saxophobia 

Artist Summary: Performance Type:  Instrumental Ensemble Performance Style(s):  Jazz, Educational Official Web Site: http://www.saxophobia.net  To make an offer to book this artist, click here

Saxophobia offers a rare and unique glimpse at some of the most unusual saxophones ever manufactured, and at the classic melodies associated with this extraordinary musical instrument. Set in a jazz-cobo format, Saxophobia pays tribute to some of the great jazz legends who popularized the instrument and contributed to the development of America's indigenous art form. This creative and informative presentation brings to the stage a rich historical perspective of Adolphe Sax's multi-faceted and enduring legacy.

Saxophobia brings to the stage a "Who's Who" of sax gone wild! Audience members will see and hear a sopranino—the smallest saxophone in the world; a mammoth six-and-one-half-foot contrabass sax; and virtually everything in between. Other examples include straight alto, straight tenor, C-melody, Grafton all-plastic, Conn-O-Sax, slide and bass saxophones, and even an original 1880 Adolphe Sax tenor.

The show's entertaining and enlightening presentation recognizes the contributions of legendary artists and the songs they popularized: who could forget Boots Randolph honking out "Yakety Sax," the wispy tones of Plas Johnson slinking along with the "Pink Panther Theme," the fiery style of Charlie Parker carving out innovative Bebop melodies such as "Scrapple from the Apple," or the warm, lush, breathy tone of Stan Getz and his sensuous version of "Girl from Ipanema?"

Artistic Director Rob Verdi received his music education degree in 1984 from Arizona State University. While at ASU, Rob studied classical saxophone and participated in a variety of performance groups, including jazz ensembles, the Phoenix Saxophone Quartet and the Phoenix Symphony. Several honors included the Miles Dreskill Orchestra Award, Outstanding Graduate of the Fine Arts Department, and being selected to the Walt Disney World All-American College Band. After graduation, Rob taught junior high school band, organized performances for the Orange County Philharmonic Society's school outreach program and conducted jazz history presentations at Santa Ana College in California. Rob is currently a member of the California Arts Council and active clinician for Disney's Magic Music Days Program.

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Photos:
 

Video Clips:
Saxophobia Demo Video (QuickTime format, 17 MB)

Documents:
Tech Rider (JPEG image)
 

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