rose street saxo-fest
Welcome to Rose Street Saxo-Fest, where middle and high school students come together to create saxophone magic! 🎷 Join us at Almeta Crawford High School for an immersive experience, designed to mimic the excitement of a region band clinic, but with a twist – we're all about saxophone chamber music. At Saxo-Fest, you'll dive into new musical pieces alongside familiar faces and new friends, collaborating to craft a stellar program in record time.
Under the guidance of expert instructors, you'll receive personalized coaching to elevate your saxophone technique and performance skills to new heights. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there's something for everyone at Saxo-Fest.🎶🎷
June 9 - 13, 2025
8Am - 12 pm
Almeta Crawford High School
801 Caldwell Ranch Blvd, Rosharon, TX 77583
Here's what you can expect:
🎵 Supportive instruction from highly qualified professional musicians 🎵
🎷 Masterclasses crafted to elevate your skills and wow your pals! 🎷
🎶 Saxophone quartet coaching and jaw-dropping performances 🎶
👫 Musical adventures with new friends and inspiring teachers 👫
🎉 Perform with a massive saxophone ensemble and feel the thrill! 🎉
🎧 Quality recordings of your epic performances to treasure forever 🎧
Daily Schedule
(subject to updates!)
7:45 a.m. Arrival and warm up
8:00 a.m. Saxophone Ensemble
9:00 a.m. Small Ensembles
10:00 a.m. Saxophone Quartet
11:00 a.m. Saxophone Ensemble
12:00 p.m. Dismissal
Join us for the 2025 Rose Street Saxo-Fest, where you'll hone your craft, make lifelong memories, and unleash your musical potential! 🌟🎷
Limited Enrollment
Limited Enrollment
Meet your teachers
Nicholas Bissen
Owner and Operator of the Rose Street Saxophone Room, Nicholas Bissen, is an explosion of energy and motivation in the classroom. His students are active members of their band and music communities, performing in competitive recitals, placing in All-State ensembles, and winning concerto competitions. Nicholas has been on faculty for Harris County Community College and Stephen F. Austin State University, currently maintains a full teaching studio, and frequently collaborates with HISD’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts, and the American Festival for the Arts. As an active member of Houston’s vibrant performance community, he has performed with Musiqa and DACAMERA. Most recently, Nicholas has produced a series of fifteen new compositions for saxophone through a grant with the Houston Arts Alliance and collaboration with Musiqa, AFA, and composer Nicky Sohn. Nicky’s new work can be found on the “Arrangements” page of this website.
Katelyn Stessman
Educator, activist, and advocate Katie Stessman is a strong ally to student empowerment. As the Executive Director of the B. Well foundation, she creates a wide variety of high quality, sustainable resources, and opportunities for the youth of Des Moines, Iowa. As a saxophonist, Katie has placed in quartet competitions at the North American Saxophone Alliance, Music Teachers National Association, and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Katie’s skills and values allow her to wear many hats, including Executive Director of the B. Well Foundation, Artist in Residence at Drake University, and thriving studio owner.
Katie’s advocacy is sure to motivate and empower our students, we are thrilled to welcome her to Saxo-Fest!
Jaymee Lamprecht
Students in Jaymee’s studio are heavy hitters in the Houston scene, with regular appearances in All-Region, All-State, and in the Houston Underground competition. When she’s not empowering the next generation of saxo-greats, You can find Jaymee performing regularly with Tony’s Lil Big Band across Houston. Jaymee’s teaching takes her all across Houston’s metro area, with studios in Fort Bend, Klein, Kingwood, and Tomball.
Jaymee is constantly bringing her students to new heights, and we are lucky to have her on our team!
Jason Finnels
Currently in his 15th year of teaching, Mr. Finnels is proud to serve as the very first Director of Bands at Almeta Crawford High School in Fort Bend ISD. Musicians under Mr. Finnels’s direction consistently receive high honors and distinction, such as Commended Winner in the National Wind Band Mark of Excellence Competition, finalist at the North Texas Festival of Distinction, and selection to perform in the 2023 Music for All National Concert Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2022-2023, Mr. Finnels was named the Ronald Thornton Middle School Teacher of the Year and also selected as one of five Finalists for Fort Bend ISD's Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Students are consistently inspired to thrive under Mr. Finnels’s direction, we are thrilled to have him back for the 2025 Rose Street Saxo-Fest!
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Students who have had at least one year of saxophone instruction, and are between the ages of 11 - 18.
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June 9 - 13, Monday through Thursday from 8am-12pm. The final Concert is Thursday the 13th at 6:30pm. All events take place at Almeta Crawford High School in Sienna.
801 Caldwell Ranch Blvd, Rosharon, TX 77583
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Instruction will be in small groups of 4-6 players, and in a large group with everyone in attendance.
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Yes! If you are interested in playing in a quartet with someone, please indicate it in your audition recording form.
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You will be asked to fill out a registration form upon checkout. All details, including contact information, t-shirt size, emergency contact, and relevant medical information can be submitted there.
Register by adding “2024 Saxo-Fest” to your cart.
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When you register, you will receive instructions to the email address you submit in your form. Recordings are due June 1st.
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We understand that summer happens! If your plans change, and you cancel before May 31st, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations after May 31st are non-refundable.