Sponsored by:
Yamaha, Vandoren, Selmer, D’Addario Woodwinds, Windstruments, Saxtet Publications, Forton Music, Largo Music, groovy-rascal.
Founded by director Sarah Markham in 2014, the University of Huddersfield Saxophone Days are a chance for students, professionals, and amateur saxophonists to listen, play, perform, and explore the latest developments in the saxophone industry.
Supported by all the major saxophone brands, an important element of each Saxophone Day is the Exhibition held in the atrium of the Richard Steinitz Building. In between scheduled events, participants have time to browse and try instruments and accessories from the trade stands. Talks are given by industry experts on both the historical developments in the saxophone world as well as discussing the latest trends and products.
The many and varied workshops are given by Sarah Markham, members of the Quirk Saxophone Quartet, and visiting international soloists. These workshops are always practical in content, giving participants an opportunity to play new compositions, learn new techniques, and be involved in multimedia performances. The jazz workshops are designed to give the beginner a start on their journey into exploring improvisation, as well as allowing those with more experience to develop their ideas further.
Concerts take place throughout the day in the universities’ concert halls: Phipps Hall and St. Paul’s Hall, featuring the invited international soloists and ensembles. The University of Huddersfield Saxophone Day always concludes with a gala concert. Participants have the opportunity to perform the pieces they have rehearsed during the day in the impressive St. Paul’s Hall, alongside international soloists and ensembles.
2023 Celebrating our tenth year as a play-day, with guests Chris Jolly, Richard Ingham and Rob Ironside.
2022 A welcome return to the enjoyment of live talks, workshops and recitals.
2021 Sarah produced an online saxophone event, consisting of a recital, workshop, and conversation with Jérôme Laran. You can watch performances from the recital.
2020 A Celebration of the Saxophone from its inception to modern day, held on International Women’s Day, Charlotte Harding, Amy Green, Quirk Saxophone Quartet
2019 A Celebration of the Saxophone Ensemble, Equinox, Yorkshire Saxophone Choir, Quirk Saxophone Quartet
2018 Richard Ingham (UK), Quirk Saxophone Quartet
2017 Claude Delangle (France), Quirk Saxophone Quartet
2016 Philippe Geiss (France), Quirk Saxophone Sextet
2015 Lynn Klock (USA)
2014 Jérôme Laran (France), Equinox Saxophone Ensemble
Sarah is a Yamaha and Vandoren performing artist.
Royal College of Music
Leeds Conservatoire
University of York
University of Sheffield
University of Huddersfield
University of Durham
Sarah Markham's teaching practice welcomes students of all ages and abilities. Focuses include preparing students for music college, and helping amateur musicians get the most from their playing. Sarah is a specialist in helping students with performance anxiety issues.
The Quirk Duo is saxophonists Sarah Markham and Kenneth Wilkinson. Between them they have a performing career spanning sixty years, enjoying many genres including solo recitals, opera, orchestral, jazz, pop and chamber music. The Quirk Duo is a distillation of those experiences, an exploration of possibilities.
The.Quirk Saxophone Quartet is made up of like-minded saxophonists:
Sarah Markham - soprano
Kenneth Wilkinson - alto
Chris Jolly - tenor
Sarah Hind - baritone