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DavidFitzgerald-Norfolk Coast

Norwich saxophonist's Jazz Ensemble opportunity 

David Fitzgerald has many years of experience as an international musician, teacher and director of ensembles. He has added a Jazz Ensemble to his range of learning opportunities for the people of Norfolk –  called JazzWorld. 

David is one of the most inspiring teachers here in Norfolk. Under his encouraging tuition and professional guidance many of his students have gone on to pursue their own careers in music. 

“My purpose,” says David, “is to equip pupils with good practical skills as well as to assist them to discover a deeper understanding and appreciation of music.” “I consider my role as a music teacher to be an honour and a privilege. It is a God-given blessing to be able to pass what has been given to me, from the very finest of teachers and colleagues (and years of experience), over to those on the threshold of their journey.”

David began his studies (at the age of 15) at the prestigious Royal Marines School of Music in Deal, Kent. His first appointment was in the Far East (based in Singapore for two years), as principal Flute, Piccolo and Saxophone in Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band. He performed with HMRMB across the Far East and Pacific. 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. After ten years with the HMRMB, David moved on to play across the world, with theatre companies, pop bands and various jazz and big bands.
 
Following his conversion to the Christian faith, David moved away from secular music to concentrate on international Christian music and worship. Since the early 1980s he has continued to tour and record for BBC Songs Of Praise programmes and with many Christian artists and worship leaders, including Graham Kendrick, Adrian Snell, Noel Richards, Sheila Walsh, Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Chris Eaton, Martin Smith, Barry and Batya Segal (Israel), Ron Kenoly and Don Moen
 
In 1989, he co-founded (with Dave Bainbridge) the highly acclaimed musical project Iona and recorded two albums with the band (Iona and The Book Of Kells). Four solo projects followed: Columcille, Lux Aeterna, Breath of Heaven and God Is Love. David moved to Norwich in 1996 and two years later premiered his joint project with Dave Bainbridge - The Eye of the Eagle at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, performing in Norwich Cathedral with cathedral choir, soloists and guest musicians. The event was filmed by Anglia TV and later broadcast on national television.

FitzgeraldApex750David offers his past experience to assist his pupils to discover and to reach their potential, to explore and to fully enjoy their own journey in music. In September 2021 he launched a new initiative called SaxWorld.

 These ensembles have grown and developed quickly. David says: “There is a real sense of community with each of our ensembles. It really helps to have members of all ages, who come to each session with an attitude of mutual encouragement. Each weekly session is a joyful experience, where we learn and move on in our playing, as an ensemble and as individuals”.
 
David has now added to his saxophone ensembles an ensemble which is dear to his heart - JazzWorld.
 
“This new ensemble is open to players of saxophone, brass (trumpet and trombone), piano, bass, Drums and vocalists”, David says. “This ensemble provides an opportunity for aspiring musicians of all ages and ability, to learn about the unique world of jazz and improvisation and to develop ensemble and soloist skills”.
 
David continues: “Following many years of experience within the international music world and then directing jazz ensembles at Norwich School (for 20 years), Notre Dame High School, Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians as well as schools in Suffolk and Essex, I felt that it was time to expand and offer to the chance for aspiring musicians of all ages and abilities to discover the unique experience and joy of making music with others.”

Saxworld and JazzWorld take place every Saturday morning during school term time at St Anne's Crossroads Church, Colman Road, Norwich NR4 7HA, where there is free parking. 
 
For more information on SaxWorld and JazzWorld please visit: www.saxworld.co.uk

You can contact David on david@davidfitzgerald.co.uk
 
More information is on his website www.davidfitzgerald.co.uk

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

 

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