We are Austin’s favorite band of 13 saxophonists, busting down barriers and creating new sounds worthy of the Live Music Capital of the World. Come join us as we lead the Austin community on an explorative journey into a sonic experience as vibrant and unique as the city we call home! Read more about us.
Celebrating our 12th season!
Seeking the sublime through the wonder that is the saxophone for twelve amazing seasons. Thank you for all your support, and we can’t wait to see you at a concert!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram so you can stay up to date with all the ASE happenings! We can’t wait to see you and share music with you!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Austin Saxophone Ensemble presents:
Here Be Monsters
2026 Festival
Program
Crystal Alexander Octet No. 2, The Open Road
Marc Mellits Splinter
– Cherry
– River Birch
– Weeping Willow
– Red Pine
Program Notes
Octet No. 2 – The Open Road
The Open Road is a lovely jaunt inspired by a summer road trip from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR, spent camping in state and national parks. My mother used to take us on a road trip every summer and I have lots of fond memories and continue this tradition when I can. This trip was magical and introspective. In the mornings I was taken with the observation that the birds sounded different than the ones native to my home state of Texas. The piece begins with aleatoric motives referencing four species of birds from the Pacific coast, a Stellar’s Jay, Spotted Towhee, Oak Titmouse, and a Bewick’s Wren. These motives gradually fade as a fast paced melody excitedly takes listeners through the forests over the Golden Gate Bridge, and up the Pacific coast. With an adventurous spirit, this piece is a celebration of soul-searching through the calm wonder of nature on the open road. This piece was commissioned by Tetractys New Music and Austin Saxophone Ensemble for the Here Be Monsters 2026 festival.
– Crystal Alexander
Splinter
I composed “Splinter” in 2014. The different lines of the instruments fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Trees can be magical to me: each movement, or “splinter,” can be seen coming from and inspired by a different type. Together they form the overall tapestry of sound by each supplying a branch, or leaf, to the overall musical tree.
-Marc Mellits
For example: “Cherry” catches our attention with its graceful, light blossoms and powerfully echoes their shape in the durable wood. “Weeping Willow” delicately bends and sways in the wind. “River Birch” gives regal shade to those floating by on the river, while the exceptionally dense and hard trunk of a “Sugar Maple” supports its soaring 80-foot height.
Sat-Sun, May 23-24, 2026
7:30 PM
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
8134 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Radio/East
3504 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78744
$20 | $15 Students | Free for children under 10!
Deep Roots
The Austin Saxophone Ensemble celebrates our Deep Roots live onstage at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 25th. From works that capture the essence and majesty of trees, to pieces that reflect our own artistic foundation, this program symbolizes and honors the influences that have shaped our ensemble.
The program includes the exciting regional premiere of the saxophone and percussion ensemble arrangement of Deciduous, co-commissioned by the Austin Saxophone Ensemble—an evocative work that reflects both the natural cycle of trees and composer Viet Cuong’s personal journey of healing after the loss of his father. Alongside it, Marc Mellits’ Splinter unfolds in a series of vivid, interconnected miniatures, weaving individual instrumental lines as leaves and branches into a richly textured musical “tree,” where each movement grows from the distinct character and energy of a unique tree species.
Steven Bryant’s Radiant Joy, performed in our very first season 12 years ago, returns as a vibrant reminder of where we began, while The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Sax Mad! by Nigel Wood pays tribute to the late saxophone professor Harvey Pittel, whose teaching and mentorship inspired the creation of our group. The program also features a graceful Valse by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky alongside these dynamic contemporary works.
Join the Austin Saxophone Ensemble on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 8134 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 ($15 students), and kids under 10 get in free!
Program
Steven Bryant Radiant Joy
Pyotr Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Mvt 2, Waltz
Viet Cuong Deciduous
Marc Mellits Splinter
Philip Buttall, arr. Nigel Wood The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Sax Mad!
Sat, April 25, 2026
7:30 PM
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
8134 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759
$20 | $15 Students | Free for children under 10!
Here Be Monsters
2026 Festival
Sun, May 24, 2026
11:15 p.m.
Festival passes available at
tetractysnewmusic.com
Program
Crystal Alexander Octet No. 2, The Open Road
Marc Mellits Splinter
– Cherry
– River Birch
– Weeping Willow
– Red Pine
Program Notes
Octet No. 2 – The Open Road
The Open Road is a lovely jaunt inspired by a summer road trip from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR, spent camping in state and national parks. My mother used to take us on a road trip every summer and I have lots of fond memories and continue this tradition when I can. This trip was magical and introspective. In the mornings I was taken with the observation that the birds sounded different than the ones native to my home state of Texas. The piece begins with aleatoric motives referencing four species of birds from the Pacific coast, a Stellar’s Jay, Spotted Towhee, Oak Titmouse, and a Bewick’s Wren. These motives gradually fade as a fast paced melody excitedly takes listeners through the forests over the Golden Gate Bridge, and up the Pacific coast. With an adventurous spirit, this piece is a celebration of soul-searching through the calm wonder of nature on the open road. This piece was commissioned by Tetractys New Music and Austin Saxophone Ensemble for the Here Be Monsters 2026 festival.
– Crystal Alexander
Splinter
I composed “Splinter” in 2014. The different lines of the instruments fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Trees can be magical to me: each movement, or “splinter,” can be seen coming from and inspired by a different type. Together they form the overall tapestry of sound by each supplying a branch, or leaf, to the overall musical tree.
-Marc Mellits
For example: “Cherry” catches our attention with its graceful, light blossoms and powerfully echoes their shape in the durable wood. “Weeping Willow” delicately bends and sways in the wind. “River Birch” gives regal shade to those floating by on the river, while the exceptionally dense and hard trunk of a “Sugar Maple” supports its soaring 80-foot height.
Deep Roots
Saturday, April 25, 2026
7:30 p.m.
$20
$15 Students
Free for children under 10!
The Austin Saxophone Ensemble celebrates our Deep Roots live onstage at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 25th. From works that capture the essence and majesty of trees, to pieces that reflect our own artistic foundation, this program symbolizes and honors the influences that have shaped our ensemble.
The program includes the exciting regional premiere of the saxophone and percussion ensemble arrangement of Deciduous, co-commissioned by the Austin Saxophone Ensemble—an evocative work that reflects both the natural cycle of trees and composer Viet Cuong’s personal journey of healing after the loss of his father. Alongside it, Marc Mellits’ Splinter unfolds in a series of vivid, interconnected miniatures, weaving individual instrumental lines as leaves and branches into a richly textured musical “tree,” where each movement grows from the distinct character and energy of a unique tree species.
Steven Bryant’s Radiant Joy, performed in our very first season 12 years ago, returns as a vibrant reminder of where we began, while The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Sax Mad! by Nigel Wood pays tribute to the late saxophone professor Harvey Pittel, whose teaching and mentorship inspired the creation of our group. The program also features a graceful Valse by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky alongside these dynamic contemporary works.
Join the Austin Saxophone Ensemble on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 8134 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 ($15 students), and kids under 10 get in free!
Program
Steven Bryant Radiant Joy
Pyotr Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Mvt 2, Waltz
Viet Cuong Deciduous
Marc Mellits Splinter
Philip Buttall, arr. Nigel Wood The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Sax Mad!
Buy Advance Tickets Here!
Partners
Partners
We would like to extend our appreciation to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for being our home for practice and performance for the past several years.