GPSW 2024, June 22 - 30

The Great Plains Saxophone Workshop brings together students and faculty from around the country for several days of high-intensity music making and community building. Through large saxophone ensemble, chamber ensembles, performance classes, panel discussions, and private lessons, students have the opportunity to learn from and network with top saxophone professionals and to build relationships with musical peers. In 2024, GPSW welcomes composer Stacy Garrop, who will coach faculty and students through performances of her varied and impactful works for saxophone.

Students who attend the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop will perform with prominent faculty in a large saxophone ensemble, work in a chamber ensemble with peers over the course of the workshop to achieve a high-level performance, engage with current topics and trends in saxophone performance and pedagogy, and contribute to and benefit from a supportive and welcoming environment that promotes excellence through community.

An add-on experience to GPSW College for the serious saxophonist, the Great Plains Saxophone Institute accepts a limited number of participants on a competitive basis. More one-on-one time with world-class saxophone professionals and increased focus on individual growth and development characterize this two-day pre-workshop event. Participants must be enrolled in GPSW College in order to participate in GPSI.

Applications will remain open until May 15, 2024. Refundable deposit will be returned by May 25, 2024.

Below, you can find general information on the core content of our programs and highlights for 2024.

GPSW Core Content

GPSW Dates
GPSInstitute: June 22 - 23, 2024
GPSW College: June 24 - 27, 2024
GPSW High School: June 27 - 30, 2024

GPSW Highlights
Performance Clinics: Participants can play in performance classes and receive critical feedback from GPSW faculty.
Chamber Music: We offer a unique focus on chamber music at the GPSW through quartet and octet coachings and performances.
Panel discussions: GPSW Faculty will conduct a series of discussions on performance, pedagogical, and career topics.

Other GPSW Opportunities
More one-on-one time with faculty (GPSI only)
Monster Saxophone Ensemble
Recitals
Technique classes
Private lessons
Networking with faculty and peers

GPSW Testimonials

“I just want to express my gratitude for such a wonderful experience. It is hard to not want to come back! Thank you!”

What was your favorite part of GPSW:
~ Spending time with a new quartet full of great musicians!
~ The opportunity to meet so many professor all in one place, as well as having the chance to take a one-on-one lesson!
~ Being able to make connections all over the country.

How do you think you grew as a musician during GPSW:
~ I learned how to work efficiently in a group when putting a quartet together in a short amount of time.
~ My list of known repertoire increased by a lot. I also have learned many different approaches to practicing and teaching through my private lesson, ensemble, and performance classes.
~ My chamber playing really grew and I feel like I was really able to take and learn what other people do for their quartets at their schools and take what I liked and bring it back to my own.

”This was a life changing experience and I am so thankful I got to attend! I will cherish these friendships and connections that I have made forever!”

GPSW YouTube