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Norwich saxophonist launches Jazz Ensemble 

Norwich-based David Fitzgerald has enjoyed an outstanding international career as a saxophonist, flautist and composer. He has now added a Jazz Ensemble called JazzWorld to his range of learning opportunities. 

If you would like to learn Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Piano or Music Theory, David is one of the most inspiring teachers working in Norwich. Under his encouraging teaching, countless students have gone on to pursue careers in music.
 
David is a Christian who has spent some 35 years in the Christian music world, recording and touring with many key worship leaders, song writers and musicians. He is a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians Union.

David is also bringing his past experience to a new generation of aspiring musicians. In September 2021 he launched a new initiative called SaxWorld and has now added to his Saxophone ensembles JazzWorld. These ensembles are open to players of Saxophone and Brass (Trumpet and Trombone), Piano, Bass, Drums and Vocalists. The ensembles provide an opportunity for aspiring musicians, of all ages and ability, to make music with others and to develop ensemble skills.

Saxworld and Jazzworld take place every Saturday morning during school term time at St Anne's Church, Colman Road, Norwich NR4 7HA, where there is free parking. He has established a safe, creative and positive environment where aspiring musicians can make music music in a community atmosphere where there is mutual encouragement.

Junior Saxology / Sax Ensemble runs from 9 - 10am (Grades 1-4), Saxology / Sax Ensemble from 10.30 - 11.30am (Grades 5-8) and JazzWorld/Jass Ensemble from 12 noon to 1pm (Grades 5+).

These offer any aspiring Saxophonist a progressive journey and experience. For more information please visit:www.SaxWorld.co.uk.

David will be in Gloucester this year with a Quartet that Graham Kendrick has assembled and used for certain events these last 10 years or so (including with David's friend and fellow IONA band member Terl Bryant on percussion and Simon Dennis, late of 70's band 'Meet Jesus Music', on electric and acoustic bass). David himself will be offering his usual mix of woodwind and reed instruments.
 
David commenced his studies at the age of 15 (for three years) at the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal, and played in the Far East and Pacific as principal Flute and Saxophone in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band. Back in the UK he took regular part in Royal and State occasions such as the Trooping of the Colour, Royal Tournament and Edinburgh Tattoo.
 
On leaving the Royal Marines Band Service, he continued to play across the world: at events such as the Coronation reception for Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands, and with Adrian Snell at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. David has recorded and toured extensively with Adrian Snell, throughout Europe, the UK and Israel since the mid 1980's.
 
He has also toured and recorded with many other Christian artists and worship leaders over the years, including Graham Kendrick, Ron Kenoly, Don Moen, Noel Richards, Barry and Batya Segal (Israel), Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
 
In 1989, after travelling to Lindisfarne and Iona, he co-founded (with David Bainbridge) the highly acclaimed musical project IONA and recorded two albums (‘Iona’ and ‘The Book Of Kells’). Four further albums as a solo artist followed: ‘Columcille’, ‘Lux Aeterna’, ‘Breath of Heaven’ and ‘God Is Love’. He toured widely and in 1992 returned to study for three years at Anglia Ruskin University before continuing with a recording and touring career.
 
David moved to Norwich in 1996 and two years later premiered his project ‘The Eye of the Eagle’ at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, performing in Norwich Cathedral. The event was filmed by Anglia TV and later broadcast on national television.

David's recent recordings include two significant projects for Roger Mayor, who has sadly died since these began. Roger has released two significant projects, which are his personal reflections with original music: 'Whispers' (2021) and finally 'Closer' (2022). David offers his Saxophones and Flutes to these beautiful projects. The two became friends back in the 1980's when working on a landmark project called 'Alpha + Omega' with Adrian Snell.
 
David has taught at many schools across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, including 21 years at Norwich School, giving one-to-one lessons and directing Saxophone and Jazz ensembles.
 
“My purpose,” said David, “is to equip pupils with good practical skills as well as to assist them to discover a deeper understanding and appreciation of music.” He promotes the progressive study of ABRSM Grade tuition (Classical and Jazz, including improvisation), and equally encourages students to look beyond grades and explore the wider musical landscape.
 
“I consider my role as a music teacher to be an honour and a privilege,” he said. “It is a God-given blessing to be able to pass on what has been given to me from the very finest of teachers and colleagues to those on the threshold of their journey.”
 
You can contact David on david@davidfitzgerald.co.uk  or 01603 632444 or 07872 929346. More information is on his website www.davidfitzgerald.co.uk

Pictured top is David Fitzgerald on the Norfolk Coast, and (centre) the Graham Kendrick Quartet at 'The Apex' in Bury St Edmunds in 2021.