San Jose Saxophone Christmas began in 1994, when founder, musical director, arranger, and saxophonist Ray Bernd gathered a small group of players to perform holiday music in San Jose, California. That first gathering started an enduring musical tradition.
A growing holiday tradition
Today, San Jose Saxophone Christmas welcomes saxophonists from throughout California and beyond. The ensemble presents free performances in public spaces, sharing holiday music with hundreds of listeners each season.
Most participants play soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone saxophone, but the ensemble is also known for its unusual instruments. Past gatherings have included soprillo, sopranino, C soprano, Saxello, C melody, bass, and contrabass saxophones, along with saxophone relatives such as the sarrusophone.
Ray’s arrangements can include as many as twelve separate parts, giving instruments of many sizes and ranges a place in the ensemble.
Record participation
In 2024, participation reached a recorded high for both events: 75 players in Sacramento and 240 players in San Jose. Based on Ray’s observations and research, the San Jose event may be the world’s largest annual gathering of saxophones.
Sacramento Saxophone Christmas
Ray organized the first Sacramento Saxophone Christmas in 2010. Thirty-three players participated in the inaugural event, establishing a second Northern California SaxMas tradition.
Join the tradition
Saxophone Christmas brings musicians together for a memorable day of rehearsal, fellowship, and free public performances. Players and audience members can find current dates, locations, and registration information elsewhere on this website.
Ray Bernd
Founder and Director
San Jose Saxophone Christmas and Sacramento Saxophone Christmas