The Players
Chris Hooker - Soprano Saxophone
The leader of the quartet, 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
Hale Hambleton - Alto Saxophone
After studying at Royal Academy of Music at 15, Hale was appointed principal Bass Clarinet in the London Symphony Orchestra. He was a founder member of the London Saxophone Quartet founded in 1969. In 1970 he joined the Sadlers Wells Opera Company, later to become English National Opera, as Principal Clarinet and remained with them for 40 years.
Christopher Frost - Tenor Saxophone
Christopher Frost is a multi-instrumentalist, composer/arranger, producer, musical director and educator. He is musical director of Kingswood Big Band and plays with Sonnet Wind Orchestra. He has a number of saxophone publications by Warwick Music and 8 commercial recordings to his name. 2019 marked Christopher’s London theatre debut as musical director for the third theatrically acclaimed Torsten song-cycle, starring Erasure’s Andy Bell, for which he composed and produced the music.
Debbie King - Baritone Saxophone
Debbie studied clarinet and saxophone with Paul Harvey, founder member of the London Saxophone Quartet and is currently a member of The Central Band of the Royal British Legion. Her playing has included performing at many prestigious venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, Windsor Castle and The Barbican in addition to tours including Salzburg, Hungary, Russia and The Menin Gate in Belgium. Debbie also manages her own ensemble Kings Clarinets who regularly perform in schools and care homes to share their passion of the clarinet. For her day job Debbie enjoys teaching children and adults.