Caroline de Jong has been teaching the saxofoon since arriving on Bonaire in 2014. She missed playing in a group from her time in the Netherlands and because there was no suitable musical group for her to join she started offering saxophone lessons. A kind sponsor purchased the first saxophones which could be rented to students. The first ever two students then aged 11 and 12 are still playing and are now part of the group of saxophonists called “Saxomania”. Many students of various ages followed and due to their enthousiasm they started to play together.
It all started very small and it was never thought that it would expand to what it is today.
Saxomania has been a Foundation with a committee since september 2017 offering lessons and performing. There are now 19 students as well as 8 players in the group one of which plays the baritone! Saxomania is very proud of it’s achievements all which would not have been possible without the chairman’s enthusiasm and drive along with the support and help from others. Harbour Village sponsor the group by allowing them to rehearse in one of their rooms ensuring a comfortable environment in which to weekly rehearse and teach as well as providing room for expansion. Drummer Gabi Mercera enthusiastically joins the group on performance nights and the Dutch Government gave a grant in order to purchase 12 saxophones.
The saxophone is an expensive instrument and a limited fund is available to allow people to rent a saxophone and have lessons.
The group is looking forward to the upcoming visit of Henk van Twillert and his Vento do Norto. Saxomania will receive private tuition, master classes as well as being able to play and perform with the professionals. What a great opportunity and a wonderful CMBB initiative for which we are very grateful as the one and only saxophone group on Bonaire.