Study Abroad!
The Saxophone in Paris: Then and Now
HUM 4956 / HUM 5946 (2 credits)
Spring Break Intensive Course taught at the UF Paris Research Center March 9-14, 2008
This course will be offerred again March 8-13, 2009. Watch this page for updates.
Since its invention in Paris in the early 1840s, the saxophone has had a very colorful history. From its earliest uses in French opera and military bands, through its role in jazz and popular music, to its place on the contemporary
avant-garde music scene, the saxophone has always been both celebrated and reviled. This course will examine the many roles of the saxophone in France from 1840 to the present.
Adolphe Sax’s contributions in musical instrument making, past and present teaching practices in France, and the state of the performing saxophonist in France will all be examined through interaction with French professionals and inspection of primary source materials available in Paris. Guest lectures will be given by French experts on 19th Century instrument making, 21st Century instrument manufacturing, the history of the saxophone, and teaching in the French conservatory system. In addition, opportunities will be available to perform and critique concerts in Paris.
Prerequisites: Interest in the saxophone. Ability to play the saxophone and to bring one to Paris is helpful, but not required. The course includes a research track and a performance track. Students choosing the performance option must submit a sample of their playing to Dr. Helton at jhelton@ufl.edu.
2008 Activities:
The following activities/visits took place during the 2008 course:
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Selmer factory tour
Selmer showroom visit
Vandoren showroom and sheet music store
Adolphe Sax's tomb
Montmartre district
Sacré Coeur Basilica
Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt: master classes with Jean-Michel Goury
Observation of the saxophone class at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris
Panel discussion on music teaching in France
Concert by Claude Delangle - In addition, two saxophone ensemble concerts were performed by members of the class at concert venues in and around Paris
Guest Lecturers for 2008 included:
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Jean-Marie Londeix, Conservatoire National de Région de Bordeaux
Claude Delangle, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris
Jean-Michel Goury, Conservatoire National de Région, Boulogne-Billancourt
Vincent Kerhervé, Vandoren
Rémy Grumelec, Selmer
Program fee: Includes 6 nights hotel with breakfast daily, the cost of instruction, 2 credits undergraduate tuition, cultural activities that are part of the program, excursions, bus & metro passes, all transportation during the program, CISI health insurance, multiple group meals and receptions. For 2008 the fee is $1395. (Graduate credits are available for an additional $390.)
Not included in the program fee: Round trip airfare, non-group meals, personal expenses, and independent travel outside of Paris.
Financial aid & scholarships: Available to eligible resident and non-resident students. Students with 100% Florida Bright Futures pay the cost of the program minus the cost of tuition.
Deadline for applications: Program space is limited. All candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Eligibility: Courses at the Paris Research Center are available to UF and non-UF students. There is no language requirement. All programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Applications: Applications should be submitted through the Universtiy of Florida International Center's web site at http://www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu
Non-UF Participants: See critical information for people not affiliated with the University of Florida on getting started with the application process on the UFIC web site at Information for Non-UF Students.
Passports: Apply early to make sure your passport issued before you leave. For details visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport.
Travel Arrangements You will be responsible for your own travel plans. You should plan to arrive in Paris on the morning of the 9th. This will require a flight leaving the US on the 8th. Our activities will wrap up on the evening of the 14th. You may plan to fly out of Paris on the 15th. Detailed directions to the hotel will be provided. We will meet there late in the afternoon of the 9th for welcoming and dinner together. Note: Do not buy a plane ticket until you receive confirmation that you have been accepted into the class.
Contact Dr. Helton for more information about this course, or for assistance with the application process.
Jonathan Helton
Associate Professor, School of Music, University of Florida
(352) 392-0223, ext. 238
jhelton@ufl.edu
Click here for a printable flyer about this course: Paris Flyer (172 kb pdf file)
Activities are still being arranged and are subject to change.
