GPSW 2025, June 23 - 28

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, group 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 2025, GPSW will introduce the new Great Plains Saxophone Workshop Young Artist Competition. The competition is an additional opportunity, and competitors must also attend the workshop.

Students who attend the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop will perform with prominent university faculty in the large saxophone ensemble, rehearse chamber ensemble repertoire, receive chamber coachings, engage with current topics and trends in saxophone performance and pedagogy, perform at the highest level with peers from around the country, and contribute to and benefit from a supportive and welcoming environment that promotes excellence through community.

GPSW and GPSW YAC 2025 registration will begin on January 13, 2025. In an effort to make our application process more open and equitable to all, students will be granted GPSW admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting lists will be maintained in the same manner so we can admit full classes.

GPSW Dates
GPSW Young Artist Competition: June 21 - 24
GPSW High School and College (Combined): June 23 - 28

GPSW Highlights
Group Class: Participants can perform in group classes and receive critical feedback from GPSW faculty.
Chamber Music: We offer a unique focus on chamber music at the GPSW through quartet, quintet, sextet, and octet coachings and performances.
Panel discussions: GPSW Faculty will conduct a series of discussions on performance, pedagogical, and career topics.
Outreach Engagement: Participants will get a chance to perform and engage with the local community in the OKC metropolitan area.

Other GPSW Opportunities
More one-on-one time with faculty
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.
~ Thank you for the good communication regarding camp in the days before and during. I felt super supported!
~ It was everything we were hoping for; real challenge, community, and inspiration.

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