Key Leaves has teamed up with saxophonist and endorsing artist Emma McPhilemy on her #LockTheSaxDown Challenge, a new social media challenge that invites sax players around the world to play new music, share recordings, win prizes and stay inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic.
McPhilemy and fellow saxophonist and composer Jenni Watson were inspired to start the challenge to help musicians struggling with the effects of COVID-cancelled gigs and quarantine isolation.
Each week, McPhilemy and Watson upload a one-minute video clip of a new piece of saxophone music featuring a demo performance by McPhilemy. Musicians can then choose any of the pieces to download free with sheet music with backing track. So far there are eight pieces ranging in difficulty and style to keep sax players challenged.
For example, the highly technical piece “Conformity” has inspired many college-level sax students and professors seeking a challenge while Fall semester uncertainty looms. Saxophonists are then encouraged to share a short video of their performance on social media using the hashtag #LockTheSaxDown.
All who share a video are entered for a chance to win prizes. On September 6, a new winner will be randomly selected by McPhilemy and Watson to receive a Key Leaves Premium Kit that includes the full range of Key Leaves products for saxophone: Key Leaves sax key props, Spit Sponge, GapCap and a custom-fit Vent Vine.
“I am thrilled Key Leaves can support #LockTheSaxDown,” said Rulon Brown, Key Leaves founder. “Emma and Jenni are rallying so many musicians affected by the Covid lockdowns. Cancelled gigs cancelled lessons and no in-person collaboration or performance take a toll on the creative soul. #LockTheSaxDown has inspired more play, practice and share so players grow their virtual community and audience. It also doesn’t hurt that the music is gorgeous and really fun to play!”
