The Saxophone Orchestra Manchester (SOM) was founded in October 2021 by professional saxophonist and music educator, Saira Clegg.

For many years Saira had wanted to create a specialist orchestra with the main goal of providing valuable ensemble experience to adult learners of the saxophone.

“The main benefits of learning a musical instrument must be the pure enjoyment of playing and the community that the players can forge.” Sydney G. Davies

SOM started as a biannual, intensive weekend course. It soon became apparent that there was a greater need for ensemble playing in the amateur saxophone world and so SOMonthly was founded as a regular ensemble in June 2022.

In 2023, following on from feedback from its members, SOM begun creating other workshop days; first the SOM Jazz Day and then a SOM Beginners’ Ensemble Day. It was then decided that a specific ensemble should be formed to cater for less experienced players and beginners. Thus, in August 2023 the SOM Training Band was born

What started as a dream as quickly grown into a wonderful community of players. Why not join us and be a part of our story.