By Ande Jacobson
SJ SaxMas is returning to San Jose this December! 2019 was the last time sax players from all over the area (and beyond) gathered in San Jose to serenade audiences with wonderful saxophone holiday music. The pandemic prevented last year’s event, but this year SJ SaxMas is returning albeit a little bit smaller and more carefully. All of the players and volunteers will have to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test to participate – no exceptions. They are excited to return to make music together after such a long and unexpected hiatus. For those who want to play, the ensemble is limited to a maximum of 150 players to accommodate the COVID safety protocols in the rehearsal space and performance venues. For more information on that, see sjsaxmas.com.
At the 26th SJ SaxMas in 2019, 228 players gathered together in the morning to renew old friendships and play through the music which changes a bit each year. The same afternoon, they played two **free** one-hour concerts and will be returning to the scene of the music again this year on Saturday, 18 December 2021.
The first SJ SaxMas concert will be at 2 p.m. at Christmas in the Park (Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose). The players will then make their way across town to their second concert location at Eastridge Mall (2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose) to play their final one hour concert at 5 p.m.
For the uninitiated, what is SJ SaxMas? It’s the annual event (except for last year) where saxophonists of all shapes and sizes come together to play saxophones of all shapes and sizes including:
- Soprillos (the smallest commercial saxophone made);
- Sopraninos;
- Sopranos in various keys and configurations;
- Altos (the most common saxophones in schools);
- C melody saxes;
- Tenors (the second most common saxophones in schools);
- Baritones (they dance);
- Sarrusophones;
- Basses;
- And sometimes a contrabass or two.
Players of all levels are welcome to come share in the joy of making holiday music together in a very festive environment.
Here’s a little sample from previous SJ SaxMas celebrations of what you’ll hear:
There is sometimes even choreography:
Here’s a look at some bari choreography. They are an energetic bunch.
If you are able and comfortable being out and about this holiday season, don’t miss SJ SaxMas on 18 December 2021 – it’s only around for this one day. See sjsaxmas.com for more information.
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