US Airmen of Note band announces audition for baritone saxophone

The Airmen of Note US Air Force ensemble has an opening for baritone saxophone. This group is one of the best military jazz bands, and would be an excellent position for anyone looking for a steady, high level musical job.

AUDITION DATE:
October 12–14, 2021

AUDITION MATERIALS DUE:
September 10, 2021

AUDITION LOCATION:
Washington, D.C.

Click here for the audition materials and details.

You can read about the Airmen of Note here.

★ Annual Starting Salary: $67,676–$70,160
★ Full military benefits
★ 30 days of vacation
★ Full medical and dental benefits
★ Post 9-11 GI Bill for college up to $80,000
★ Four-year minimum enlistment required
★ Maximum age at time of enlistment is 39

New Gary Smulyan transcription – From his first album

Thank you to Tom Sabin for sending in a Gary Smulyan transcription on the standard “You Go To My Head”. This is from The Lure of Beauty – which is actually Gary’s first album as a leader, released 30 years ago in 1991. Its a lovely album, and a very nice solo.

Hear it below, and head to the transcriptions page to download a copy for your self!

Two new classic Ronnie Cuber solos added

Thanks to Martin Schaefer for sending in not one, but two Ronnie Cuber solo transcriptions! They are both classic Cuber solos. The first is “I’ll Remember April” from the album Love For Sale that Ronnie did with the Metropole Orchestra. The second is “Star Eyes” from his album Cuber LIbre. Both albums were a big part of my early listening and feature some peak cuber.

So head on over to the Transcription Repository and download copies for yourself!

Mister Music BariFlex Standing Baritone Sax Stand

We have a number of saxophone harnesses and stands listed on the accessories page, but a new one was just added. This is a free-standing baritone saxophone stand that is intended for use standing up! Though I think the stand could be adjusted for use sitting as well. Its based on very sturdy drum hardware and is made in Germany. I have not had a chance to see the stand in action, so if you’d like a full review, checkout SaxophoneCentral’s full review on it.

The stand currently can only be purchased directly through their website here.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve had a chance to try it!

2021 GERRY’S JAZZ CHALLENGE

The following information comes from GerryMulligan.com:

The annual “Gerry’s Jazz Challenge has been announced for 2021 by The Gerry & Franca Mulligan Foundation. The foundation will provide free lead sheets and big band charts of Gerry’s “Out Back of the Barn.” There is also an educational video available on the website. The contest is held each year to honor Gerry’s birthday (April 6) and Jazz Appreciation Month.

ELIGIBILITY: Students in grades 9 – 12 in the United States.

HOW TO ENTER: Students are asked to download the lead sheets and upload a video of their performance on YouTube.  The Contest Entry form can be found here: Gerry’s Challenge 2021.  Students must fill out the form completely and include the YouTube link to their performance.

PRIZES: Top Saxophone Player will receive a new Conn-Selmer Saxophone.

Two Musicians will receive $500 prizes
Three Musicians will receive $250
Five Musicians will receive $100

The Contest Rules can be found here: Gerry’s Challenge 2021 Contest Rules

For Educators: Download Big Band Charts and Educational Video

See all details on GerryMulligan.com