CLASAX has four large ensembles which rehearse regularly, and our members also participate in smaller group playing as they see fit. All ensembles play at the Midyear and End of Year Society Concerts and other special events. They enjoy a cup of tea and a good chat as well as playing music together!

Clarinet Play-In Group

ClarinetGroup

Under the direction of Brendan Toohey, the ensemble has enjoyed playing and rehearsing a variety of exciting arrangements and original works for clarinet choir by composers including Paul Harvey, George Gershwin and Mozart. The group can often swell to 30+ players, and includes Eb sopranino, Bb soprano, Eb alto, Bb bass, Eb contrabass and Bb contralto clarinets. Players range in age from 20 something to 80 something, and minimum standard suggested is approximately AMEB Grade 5. Rehearsals are generally held on the third Sunday of each month between 2-5pm in Mt Waverley – contact clasaxvictoria@gmail.com for details.

Saxophone Ensemble

Sax group

Under the direction of Ross Chapman, this ensemble are proud of their “louder and shinier” status and play a variety of arrangements and original works for saxophone ensemble, varying from Susato to Gershwin to Mark Walton. The group can grow to 20+ players, and includes Bb soprano, Eb alto, Bb tenor, Eb baritone and Bb bass saxophones. Players range in age from from 20 something to 80 something, and minimum standard suggested is approximately AMEB Grade 5+. Rehearsals are generally held on the first Sunday of each month between 2-5pm in Mt Waverley – contact clasaxvictoria@gmail.com for details.

Mixed Woodwind Ensemble

BubbleandSqeuak

Founded in 2003 as an ensemble for adult beginners, the Mixed Woodwind Ensemble has outgrown its humble origins. As often happens, the members’ hard work and dedication has resulted in more fluent performances of ever more challenging work. They meet fortnightly on a Monday evening with conductor JoAnn Griffiths and welcome new players who are at or above level AMEB grade 3 standard- contact JoAnn at joann.clarinet@gmail.com for details.

Clarimania

Clarimania

Clarimania is now in its fifth year and consists of a small group of players from the CLASAX Clarinet Ensemble who wish to play music for a smaller ensemble and are free during the day. They rehearse once a fortnight at 12:45 pm on Thursday with their conductor JoAnn Griffiths.