~ alto saxophone ~

At conservatory the main focus was on alto saxophone. During that time Saxophone Quartet Les Boréades was founded. This ensemble recorded a CD. (now very rare)

Also did Brandsma play lead alto for many years in the Conservatory Big Band.

In the past, Brandsma played Buffet and Selmer alto saxophones. Since 2004, his instruments of choice are a Conn Connqueror 1937, and a Conn goldplated transitional, with full naked lady engravings.

Orchestral pieces :

- Rhapsody in Blue -                                   George Gershwin (Arr. Grofé)        (both 1. and 2. alto parts)

- Pictures at an Exhibition -                         Modest Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel)

- Sabre Dance -                                           Aram Khachaturian        (at least 40 times!)

- West Side Story, Symphonic Dances -     Leonard Bernstein    

- A Salzburger In New York -                       Bernd Wilden

Orchestral experience:

- 12 years Cologne Opera House

- Bergische Symphoniker

- Orkest van het Oosten

- Noord Nederlands Orkest

- Metropole Orkest

Bands:

- Bernard Berkhout Swing Orchestra

- Big Chris Barber band (substitute player 2011 - 2012 & and one week in 2015)

- Big Band Dutch army

- Metronome Big Band

- Stage Band

Alto sax solo with BBSO, Kijkduin 2015

Conn Connqueror 1937, sterling silver side keys