CASSGB Play Day 2025

Get ready for a day filled with all things single reed! Music-making, performances, trade stands, socialising.

About this Event

Ahead of CASSGB’s 50th anniversary, over 100 clarinet and saxophone players from all over the UK will gather for a day of performances, masterclasses and play sessions at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Come and enjoy opportunities to explore Jazz, ensemble transcriptions, new music and much more

This year’s playday will shine a light on recent graduates showcasing the future of clarinet and saxophone playing in the UK, with what promises to be dazzling performances by Cosmos Saxophones and Twin Reeds.

We are also delighted to welcome a vast array of trade stands, which will be on site throughout the day, offering a unique opportunity to try out the latest models of clarinets, saxophones and a wide range of equipment whilst getting expert advice from industry specialists.

Under 18s - parent or guardian required

Agenda


🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Registration from 10am

🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Session 1 - Mass Ensemble
Host: James Rae

Info: Join an orchestra of clarinets and saxophones to explore arrangements made especially for this CASSGB event. Led by saxophonist, clarinettist, composer and king of education - James Rae In the Wake of the Wickerman - M.Thorne

'Toccetta' - J S Bach arr. M.Thorne

Adagio from Gran Partita - W.A.Mozart arr. M.Thorne

Clogs Away! - F.Herold arr. M.Thorne

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 2 - Saxophone Ensemble
Host: Naomi Sullivan

Info: Music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras arranged for saxophones.


Join the RBC Saxophone ensemble in workshopping some dazzling arrangements by Gabrieli, Vivaldi, Tallis and more...

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 2 - Clarinet Ensemble
Host: Stephanie Reeve and Peter Fielding

Info: The first clarinet ensemble session will include popular arrangements and lighter works including: J S Bach, arr. Peters Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

Saint-Saens - Romance in F, arr. Caillet

Ravel, arr. Reeve: Mother Goose Suite

Ted Watson - Suite d'Espana

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Session 2 - Jazz Improvisation
Host: Richard Ingham

Info: Safe space improvising for all. Painless jazz! An exciting introduction to improvising and style, all instruments welcome. Also suitable for players with experience.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Session 3 - Saxophone Ensemble
Host: Naomi Sullivan

Info: Exploring brand new music for saxophone ensemble to showcase all the many marvels of the saxophone. Music by Katia Beaugeais, Liz Johnson and Fiona Troon.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Session 3 - Clarinet Ensemble
Host: Peter Fielding and Stephanie Reeve

Info: The second clarinet ensemble session will focus on original repertoire for full clarinet choir:

Michael Ball - Concertino

Anthony Bailey - Towards the Wind

Rob Buckland - Fjord

Roma Cafolla - Irish Stew

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Session 3 - Jazz Improvisation
Host: Richard Ingham

Info: Safe space improvising for all. Painless jazz! An exciting introduction to improvising and style, all instruments welcome. Also suitable for players with experience.

🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Closing Concert - Young Artist's Showcase

Info: Featuring some of the UK's brightest talents of single reed chamber groups, including the award winning Twin Reeds, Yugen Quartet, Comos Saxophones and the RBC Clarinet Choir.

Untitled agenda

Registration from 10am

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