by Joanna Zattiero, Utah State University

For 38 years, Shell Lake Arts Center and Dr. Eugene Rousseau have hosted an outstanding saxophone workshop in idyllic Shell Lake, Wisconsin.  This year’s workshop was no exception.  The faculty included Dr. Rousseau and Dr. David Branter (Vancouver Community College), Dr. Julia Nolan (University of British Columbia), Dr. Thomas Liley (Joliet Junior College), and Dr. Stephen Stusek (University of North Carolina – Greensboro), all of who studied with Dr. Rousseau in years past.  Assisting the faculty were Clarke Crandell, Greg Keel, Dr. Cameron Hofmann, Jeffrey Crowell, and instrument repair technician Richard Rees.  Yamaha Corporation of America and Yamaha Canada generously sponsored the workshop.

Thirty-one students of all ages and abilities attended from many states as well as Guam, Canada, and China. No matter their background, however, all students found the opportunity to study and interact with such a talented and personable faculty a unique experience.  

The well-organized schedule included at least one lesson with a faculty member every day for each student (students often arranged extra lessons with the faculty), daily master classes and saxophone choir rehearsals, and dedicated practice time for soloists and ensembles. Topics of study included instrument setup and maintenance, practice methods, phrasing and interpretation, articulation, sight-reading, and extended techniques, as well as saxophone history and the instrument’s role in both orchestral and jazz settings.  

Faculty performances were given on Sunday and Tuesday evenings, while student performances were given Thursday afternoon and evening.  All performances were open to the public and, despite the exceptional heat and humidity, were well attended.  

The opportunities to interact one-on-one with the faculty for lessons, questions, and general discussion were fantastic.  Their combined experience and knowledge are invaluable, and this kind of atmosphere is largely unavailable in most areas.  You can expect to see great things in the future from many of the students at this year’s workshop, just as we have seen great things from many students who have attended in the past.

Photo - Shell Lake Faculty David Branter, Julia Nolan, Eugene Rousseau, Steve Stusek, and Tom Liley. Additional pictures on NASA Facebook