About this project

The baritone saxophone is the "underdog" of the saxophone family. I chose this instrument because of its rich sound, power, and low register. Unfortunately, as a classical musician, I have had very little solo repertoire to play. As a baritone saxophone major at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, I was forced to play transcriptions of music for bassoon, cello, and bass clarinet. Very little quality classical music has been written for, as it is lovingly called, the bari sax. I was inspired by my former teacher, James Houlik, to commission composers of classical music to write for my instrument. He personally has commissioned over 80 new works for his instrument, the tenor saxophone.

I commissioned six composers from the US and Canada to write new solo chamber works for the baritone sax. Lanette Lind, Richard Faith, J. Mark Scearce, Thomas Massella, Adrienne Albert, and Elizabeth Raum. I premiered these pieces at my debut faculty recital on February 7, 2011 at NC State University where I am an adjunct professor. I personally funded all of the commissions costing $3,550. Performer fees for the recital were $600 and I helped one of the composers to attend the recital, $230. A total personal expense of $4,380. The recital nearly sold out, 4 of the 6 composers were there, and I was featured on WCPE 89.7 "Previews". A very worthwhile project. But, this was more of a beginning than the end result. My intention is to use these new pieces as the material for my debut CD.

I have begun the recording sessions for my CD at Sound Pure Studios in Durham, NC. It is one of the best studios in the area. I chose them because I know they will produce a quality product. The work of the composers deserves to be documented under the best possible circumstances. Recording and mastering expenses will total $3,000. Design and duplication costs for 1000 CDs will be another $1,500. So, my goal for this last stage of the project will be to raise $4,500.

By contributing to this project, you will be helping me and the composers to bring the music to a world wide audience. The release of this CD will provide a boost to my career as a classical saxophone soloist and I intend to promote it heavily, following up by booking solo concerts around North Carolina and beyond. And, you will assist in bringing the baritone saxophone to light as a serious concert instrument.

Here is the CD program:

Chagallian Scenes - Elizabeth Raum (w/piano)
Poetry - Adrienne Albert (w/harp)
Rumble Strip - J. Mark Scearce (w/marimba)
Dali's Dream - Lanette Lind (w/piano)
Highland Sketches - Richard Faith (w/piano)
The Infernal Path - Thomas Massella (w/piano)

Musicians:

Wayne Leechford - baritone saxophone
Lanette Lind - piano
Scott Pollard - marimba
Casey Perley - harp