Paul Schoenholz – Saxophone

How long have you been playing and when did you start? (School, age, etc.)
I played piano for 8 years in elementary and high school. I played trombone for five years in high school and college. I started playing the saxophone in January of 1995 and have continued to the present time.

What other groups (if any) have you played in over the years or are you currently playing in? Please include military.
Over the past 13 years I have played saxophone with concert bands, dance bands, jazz bands and theatrical pit bands. From time to time I perform as a soloist at nursing facilities and senior residences. Some of the bands I have played with are: the Calhoun-Isles Community Band, the Minneapolis Community College Jazz Band, the Normandale Community College Band, the Roseville Community Band and the Wolf Cubs dance band.

Have you played continuously, or did your instrument gather dust in the closet for several years? What brought you back?
Upon my children growing up and leaving home I found myself with the opportunity to pursue personal interests. I had always wanted to play the saxophone, so I tried it and found it brought a real joy into my life.

What do you like about playing in Northern Winds?
Northern Winds is unique in the fact that they play a lot, performing for the entertainment of people who have limited mobility. It seems like a right and decent thing to bring some fun and live entertainment to folks who have a hard time getting out and probably spend way too much time in front of the television.