The Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival, held on Feb. 22, 2025, offered a unique musical experience, breaking free from traditional sonic boundaries. Experimental music took audiences on an immersive journey, pushing beyond the limits of perception and enveloping them in a psychedelic atmosphere. The festival’s founder and artistic director, Randal Hall, professor of Music and Saxophone, set forth this vision.
Hall, who also performed at the festival, presented two compositions inspired by the mysticism and magic of ancient Greece. The compositions focused on the mythological figures of Orpheus and Persephone. As promised, the soundscape transported the audience into a musical underworld, evoking a mysterious and ambiguous world. Through his work, Hall shared his desire to break free from social conventions and sweep away traditional norms that have long governed classical performances. Hall intended to create an environment where creative freedom could flourish.
“I find weird music particularly fascinating,” Hall said. “There is something incredibly fun about creating unusual sounds, using sound as a tool to build atmospheres and immersive sound worlds that are not always familiar. Experimental music can challenge our sense of familiarity and comfort, leading us into musical territories that are often more ambiguous and mysterious.”
Emerging talents performed alongside special guests, Nois, a saxophone quartet from Chicago. Nois’s performance drew inspiration from the innovative spirit of artists from the 1960s and 1970s who sought to move beyond traditional saxophone techniques. By embracing more experimental sounds, Nois created a fresh musical experience that resonated with the festival’s theme of pushing boundaries.
Saxophone students participated in a masterclass with Nois, gaining feedback and refining their techniques. The experience was transformative for many, shaping their musical approach and broadening their perspectives.
Dale Faber, a sophomore music education student, reflected on the experimental music featured at the festival. Dale described this type of music as challenging for an untrained ear, with contrasting quiet and intense moments.
“Keep an open mind,” Faber said. “People don’t like this music at first, but after playing [it], I find the respect and the beauty of it.”
Faber’s perspective aligns with the festival’s message: encouraging listeners, especially those unfamiliar with experimental music, to embrace something new. The musicians believe that even if audiences don’t immediately connect with the music, there is still value in challenging the status quo and opening oneself to new possibilities.
Another student performer, Sierra Jelinek, a sophomore psychology student, shared her journey with the saxophone. Jelinek explained that she moved away from more conventional music to explore sounds that express a deeper emotional range. According to Jelinek, music should not be limited to familiar structures. Jelinek’s piece starts with a calm and soothing melody before breaking into a chaotic, fast-paced section.
“I think it’s just kind of an absurd and surprising piece,” Jelinek said.
Jelinek captured the spirit of the concert, embracing the absurdity of unconventional music and demonstrating that what may seem strange can be beautiful.
“Listening to different performers is important because each artist has different ways of doing the same genre,” Jelinek said.
This year’s performances demonstrated the power of experimental music in evoking deep, often unexpected emotions. While many may not fully understand or appreciate this genre, the festival proved that it can leave a lasting impact and challenge our understanding of what music can be.
