Associate Players
Associate players play in the Quartet on occasion and also supplement it to make a Quintet, Sextet, or larger when required.
John Cook - Saxophones
John Cook studied music at Cambridge, but subsequently, having qualified as an accountant, moved into finance training. He has kept busy as a clarinettist and saxophonist; highlights have included performing “Sternklang” by Stockhausen under the composer’s direction in Bonn, and taking part in the first UK production of Shostakovich’s musical “Cheryomushki” with Pimlico Opera. He plays in a number of orchestras and chamber groups, including the Sinfonia of Cambridge and Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra, and the wind quintet “W5” for which he has made many arrangements.
Chris Hooker - Saxophones
The founder of the quartet in 2008, Chris's career has been in Music Education both as a teacher and a manager, and he now plays, arranges, and conducts. In 1973 he founded and directed The Thameside Clarinet Choir until 2008. Later that year he formed the River City Saxes saxophone quartet. He is a former player in several local groups, among them are: Thames TV Big Band; The Fulham Big Band; The Linden Wind Orchestra; Barnes Concert Band; RAF Association Presidents Band; and the Ionian Clarinet Choir. He currently plays music from the 20's to the 50's on sax and clarinet in Saxswing, and clarinet in the poetry and music duo and trio Wind and Words