Educational Projects
Each year, the Amstel Quartet gives several educational workshops and concerts, in collaboration with organizations such as the International School of the Hague (ISH), Stichting In de Knop, November Music, Rewire and others. The focus of their work is on working directly with young composers, developing their ideas and performing their newly composed works in concert. These programs give young students the opportunity to have their pieces played, recorded and occasionally broadcast by a world-class chamber orchestra, and to learn from the expert feedback they receive along the way.
Through these projects, dozens of new pieces (often of professional quality) have been written for the Amstel Quartet by composers ranging in age from 8 to 18. The group has also regularly performed with student musicians as soloists in their own compositions, as well as performing works alongside student choirs, orchestras and jazz bands. The individual members of the Amstel Quartet are all dedicated teachers themselves, bringing their decades of saxophone and music teaching experience to their activities as a quartet. Together they offer a unique set of skills and knowledge to give young musicians an unforgettable experience.
Amstel Quartet also performs educational concerts in schools and in concert venues, for primary, secondary, and university-aged students.
Interactive Sax
An exciting program of experimental and pop-influenced modern Classical music, with lots of audience participation. Students join in on experimental soundscapes with instruments, voice, and body percussion, along with arranging an existing piece into an imaginary film score.
Sax across Borders
In this diverse program, students hear a wide variety of shorter Classical and modern works showcasing a range of styles, historical eras, and countries of origin. Each piece is verbally introduced and the essential elements are demonstrated so that the students understand the musical elements at work and can appreciate this musical world tour.