Newsletter October 2025, Vol. 2
When and why should you upgrade from a student to an intermediate instrument?
Upgrading your clarinet or saxophone is an exciting experience but can also be confusing and overwhelming if you're unsure when to do it or what to look for. Several factors must be considered when upgrading an instrument, including your progression, goals, and finances.
Jupiter JCL1100 DS
Beginner clarinettists will likely need to consider upgrading to an intermediate instrument 1-3 years into their clarinet journey. Most entry-level clarinets are made from synthetic materials which provide great longevity but are generally more one-dimensional in sound capability. Wooden instruments (intermediate and above) facilitate a greater range of tone colours and a more complex sound. They are also more handcrafted with greater attention to detail, making the mechanism more reliable and fluid. If you're looking to upgrade, consider models such as the Backun Beta, Yamaha YCL-450, Jupiter JCL1100 DS, or the Buffet E13.
Eastman EAS483
Beginner saxophonists should consider upgrading after 2-5 years of playing. Though saxophones of all types and across all levels are largely made of lacquered brass, the key difference lies in the improved build. Intermediate saxophones and above begin to fine tune the mechanism and body such as tone hole placement for intonation, bore size/shape to increase tonal variety, and a more ergonomic key design. Some intermediate saxophones worth considering are the Yamaha 480 and 62, Eastman 400 series', and Jupiter 700 series'.
Featured Publication
Superhighway - Holly Harrison
For Saxophone and Orchestra
"Concertos are the perfect vehicle to highlight a soloist, and with this in mind, the work explores the overarching theme of superhighways. I could write all day about metaphors of orchestras and soloists as highways and cars, but what I’m really interested in is music that just goes. I wanted to write a work from ‘go to whoa’, where the saxophone takes charge and harnesses a keep-on-truckin’ type of attitude."
Holly Harrison is an Australian composer from Western Sydney. Her music embraces the imagery, character, and energy of the nonsense literature of Lewis Caroll, her works having been described as “exploding off the page”, full of “riotous energy, eclectic rhythmic complexity” and “inventive, witty and invested with thrilling dynamism and momentum.” Holly was Composer in Residence with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, has lead Ensemble Offspring's Hatched Composer Intensive, has had her works performed by all of the major Australian symphony orchestras as well as Omega Ensemble and the Australian String Quartet, and has enjoyed the international stage with Eighth Blackbird, Oslo Philharmonic, and Manchester Camerata.
Upcoming Events
New Creatives Festival
18-19 October
Sydney Conservatorium and University of Sydney NSW
What do you get when you mix students from the Con's classical, composition, contemporary, digital, jazz and music theatre degrees and allow them to dream up their own collaborative projects? Come and find out in this imaginative free two-day festival celebrating the musical voices of tomorrow!
St Stephen’s Big Band Night | Celebrating Women in Jazz!
7:30pm, Wednesday 22 October
St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Sydney
The St Stephen's Big Band is presenting another fabulous night of jazz and swing! The big band will be presenting music performed, composed and arranged by some of the great women of jazz, including Sarah Vaughan, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mary Lou Williams, and Billie Holiday. With an incredible lineup of some of Sydney's finest jazz players, don't miss this fantastic night of music! Tickets purchased by donation (min. $10).
Clarinet Ensembles Workshop and Concerts
Friday 24 October
Wollongong Conservatorium NSW
The Sydney Conservatorium (SYDCON) Clarinet Ensemble, led by Peter Smith, is coming to WollCon to perform and workshop with WollCon’s clarinet students. The day will feature a SYDCON lunchtime concert and a combined evening concert that includes a pre-concert talk with composer Eleanor Brimblecombe!