Rachael Forsyth is a saxophonist and woodwind player who teaches, composes, arranges, and also works as an accompianist in North London.  Her main instrument of choice is the alto sax, but she also performs and teaches on the tenor and baritone sax, flute, piano, clarinet, bass clarinet and recorder. 

Her saxophone playing started when she was 13 years old and prior to this she used to play the piano, an instrument she later returned to during her late teens.  After graduating from Middlesex University in the summer of 2005 with a BA (Hons) in Music Rachael now collaborates with a fellow Musician - Helen Sanderson-White.  They currently gig around London under the name of 'The Orange Garden'. 

Rachael's repertoire ranges greatly as she has experience playing in all types of ensemble; ska bands, soul bands, big bands, orchestras and saxophone quartets to name but a few.  Despite being classically trained Rachael has a deep love for jazz and frequently attends Jam Sessions.  For further details of her playing experience please see the History section.  She is an experienced session musician as well as working regularly in orchestral pits for shows. 

A recent development has seen Rachael publishing her own compositions for woodwind and piano players as well as for small woodwind ensembles and orchestras.  As a passionate teacher she loves to write music she knows her students will enjoy to play.  For further information on her compositions go to: Roo Records Music

However, music is not the only creative field that Rachael works in. She has been fortunate enough to have two short stories published in anthologies, the latest being published in November 2005.  She is currently submitting her novel to be considered for publication. Rachael also currently works Jazz Reloaded - who won a 2009 UK Parliamentary Award - reviewing live gigs as well as albums.  Further news on her published works will appear in the Writing Section.   

As a classically trained student Rachael is an excellent sight reader, but she is excellent at improvising too.  She says her influences include the great ‘Tower of Power’ and other classic soul and funk bands as well as other saxophonists like the great Gerry Mulligan, Lock Jaw Davis and of course Charlie Parker.   

Further information about gigs as well as samples of her work can be found at: www.myspace.com/rachaelforsyth