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Rob Hall

Biography Rob currently plays sopranino, soprano, alto and tenor saxes plus clarinet.

After gaining a degree and diplomas at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music, Rob Hall won a scholarship (worth half fees) to study at the U.S.A. Berklee College of Music under the tuition of Billy Pierce (Art Blakey etc.), Phil Wilson and others, specialising on both soprano saxophone and clarinet. Since then he has completed numerous tours with his own groups and projects. Performances and tours, along wth recordings and broadcasts for radio and television, have taken him throughout the UK, and to Germany, Italy, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic and USA.

He has performed/recorded with Mike Stern, Danny Gottlieb, Kenny Wheeler, Jim Mullen, Julian Arguelles, Dave O'Higgins, Anne Martin Ingrid Henderson, Simon Thoumire Orchestra Matthew Herbert Big Band, Tam White, Chick Lyall , Brian Kellock, John Rae, Philipp van Endert , Petre Dvorsky and many others. UK festival appearances include Bath, Cheltenham, Edinburgh International, BBC Proms, Skye, Celtic Connections, Tryptich and many more. A featured artist at festivals such as the Highland Festival Liverpool Jazz Festival, Glastonbury Festival Jazz Stage and Dusseldorf Jazz Schmiede he also performs in the classical field appearing as principal saxophonist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Rob is an active composer and has written for clarinet and piano, big band, solo piano as well as his numerous compositions for jazz ensembles.

Rob has many years experience in directing jazz courses and workshops around the UK and in Europe details He has lectured in jazz and has led award-winning student jazz ensembles. He is director of Jazz Course UK which runs jazz improvisation courses in the UK. In 2002 Rob is due to be Artist in Residence for WEA Scotland.

Gear

Selmer Saxophones Sopranino (Mark 6) Soprano (Mark 6) Alto (Balanced Action) Tenor (Balanced Action) Boosey and Hawkes Clarinets (1010) Vandoren/Bari/Selmer Mouthpieces Marca Jazz/Hemke/Vandoren reeds Rovner Ligatures BG Saxophone Slings


Tags

What the press have said: "Engaging … I was immediately drawn in." (Musician magazine)

"Saxophonist Rob Hall has made a substantial impression on both the local and European scenes in recent years." (The Guardian)

" ... a talent blessed with a staggering technique." (City Life, Manchester)

"Hall has strong ideas and a playful sense of form." (Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD)

"It's encouraging to hear a musician like Rob Hall blowing saxophone and clarinet in such a melodious way" (Jazz Journal International)

"Vibrant, often evocative ... he has a gift for writing bright, sinuous melodies over attractive rhythmic grooves fleshed out in turn with rich and often intricate harmonies." (The Scotsman)

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Primary Instrument

Woodwinds

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

professional experience (education :) • Director/Co-ordinator The Music Workshop education venue in Clyde Valley 2006 - www.themusicworkshop.co.uk • Jazz Examiner for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) 2003 - • Director Soundbase music education project at Arches Theatre Glasgow 2002 - www.sound-base.co.uk • Jazz Co-ordinator for Skye and Lochalsh Young Music Makers (SLYMM) 2000-1 • Lecturer in Jazz/Improvisation at Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama 1999-07 • Director/tutor Jazz Course UK running courses across the UK 1992 - www.jazzcourse.co.uk • Workshops/Clinics extensive experience including West Herts Jazz School, Sheffield Jazz Workshop, RSAMD, Strathclyde University. 1992 - • Tutor at Berklee College of Music, USA, Learning Assistance Program 1991-2 • Peripatetic Instrumental & Ensemble Tutor various including: St. Faith's School, Cambridge (Prep);Watford School of Music,Dollar Academy 1990- • Private tuition in clarinet / saxophone / piano / improvisation 1990-

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Music

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