Sax education

While the saxophone doesn’t get the star treatment that an electric guitar or piano does, it’s an important instrument in big band and jazz ensembles and even makes occasional appearances in rock bands. The members of the New Century Saxophone Quartet want to educate music listeners on the diverse range of this woodwind instrument. Michael Stephenson (soprano sax), Connie Frigo (baritone sax), Stephen Pollock (tenor sax) and Chris Hemingway (alto sax) perform music ranging from the Baroque to innovative works by contemporary composers such as Sherwood Shaffer, Lenny Pickett (Saturday Night Live Band leader) and Bob Mintzer. Their performances can often be heard on National Public Radio as well as on television commercials. Critics have lauded the group for its imaginative interpretations and musicianship. The Charlotte Observer called them “four exceptional musicians who together define, finally, the true chamber potential of their oft-neglected instruments.” NCSQ perform, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 10, at Nightingale Concert Hall inside the Church Fine Arts Building at the University of Nevada, Reno. Tickets are $5-$20. Call 784-4046.