Have you ever been wowed by the bluesy tone of Lisa Simpson's saxophone or captivated by the haunting Pink Panther theme? Now you can have the opportunity at Merrin to learn the saxophone or clarinet with Guy and recreate these fabulous sounds at home.

Guy will be starting next Wednesday (March 9) at Merrin, taking the orchestra at lunchtime and lessons after lunch.I asked Guy to tell us a little about himself and here is what he had to say.

My name is Guy de Lacey and I am a clarinet and saxophone teacher with around 35 years of teaching experience. Most of this has been in Christchurch although I lived and worked in Canberra, Australia for 3 years and in the UK for 2 years back in the 1980s. I teach a wide range of ability levels and ages and have been teaching around local Primary, Intermediate and Secondary schools for many years. I also conduct a local school orchestra and concert band and direct some school chamber music groups. I am a qualified secondary school teacher.

I enjoy the variety that teaching brings but also try to lead a balanced life and like to do various forms of bike riding, running and a sport called Rogaining.

I now live out near Tai Tapu with my wife Emma and like to relax in the vege garden or around the native plantings with a weed eater.

It is possible to start learning the clarinet at around year 5 and the saxophone at around year 5 or 6. Individual lessons cost $25.00 per 30 minute lesson. A pair of students for 30 minutes costs each student $15.00. Instruments can be hired through KBB music starting at $150 for a clarinet and $265 for an alto sax although this a school special so please contact Guy or Susan before proceeding with a hire.

If anyone is interested in lessons with Guy please contact Susan Dollin on susandollin@merrin.school.nz or 3570568.

Those wanting to join the orchestra can meet in room 9 next Wednesday (March 9) at 12pm with their instruments.