Emily Preston

Sector: Classical / Jazz

Key Skills

Bristol, Saxophone, Clarinet, composer, performer

Key Clients

Emily Preston is based in the South West of England. She graduated from Bristol University with a BA hons and then took a Post Graduate Diploma in Jazz Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Here her interest in composition grew and she obtained a first for her jazz composition portfolio, studying with Paula Gardiner.

Since moving to Bristol in 2004, she has established a number of ensembles. She composes mainly for her jazz ensemble, the Preston-Hyde trio, and also for her saxophone ensemble (the Bristol Saxophone Ensemble) who have played in venues such as St. George’s Concert Hall, Brandon Hill.

The Bristol Saxophone Ensemble was established in January 2010. They are a fun group of children and adult players and have already had many successes. In November 2010 they performed at the Bristol Saxophone Festival at St. George’s (Brandon Hill, Bristol) and were also chosen to record a piece at Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff for BBC Radio 3’s Light Fantastic Festival. This piece was subsequently aired on Radio 3 in June 2011 as part of the festival.

Emily is a strong performer and has played soprano saxophone with The National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain since 2007. She has had some rewarding experiences with this group, touring to Prague and Holland and performing in venues such as the C.B.S.O centre (Birmingham) and with John Dankworth at the Stables (Wavendon).
Emily also plays with Salsa Nova (Bristol band playing Latin American music) and the Livas Clarinet Quartet. The Livas Clarinet Quartet are currently working with composers at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in a project to promote the ensemble and students at the College.

Emily teaches woodwind in five different schools across Bristol for the Bristol Music Service to pupils ranging from age 5 to adult, and beginner to grade 8. She is also an Early Years music practitioner, introducing young children to music.