Gourwitz Saxophone Collection
Howard J. Gourwitz (b. 1948) is a lifelong musician and advocate for the arts. He received his degrees in the arts and law from the University of Michigan (BA, 1969), Wayne State University (Juris Doctor, cum laude, 1972), and New York University (Master of Laws in Taxation, 1973). His career as an attorney garnished him notoriety regarding corporate, taxation, and sports law in Michigan as well as serving as Adjunct Professor of Law at Wayne State University in his early career. Gourwitz played in the Michigan Marching Band throughout his undergraduate degree, instilling a deep passion for music. His close friendship with Dr. Kevin Sedatole has fostered a connection to the MSU College of Music, through which he has contributed gifts toward student scholarships and programs. He also established a special collection of saxophones, listed below. All saxophones are located in a second floor display in the Billman Music Pavilion.
Mark VI Selmer Sopranino Saxophone
Serial Number: N257519
Date of Manufacture: December 20, 1977
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Sopranino, Mark VII model; Nr.
Pitch: Eb
Mark VI Selmer Soprano Saxophone
Serial Number: 77330
Date of Manufacture: August 22, 1958
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Soprano, Mark VI model
Pitch: Bb
Mark VI Selmer Alto Saxophone
Serial Number: M162769
Date of Manufacture: March 24, 1969
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Alto, Mark VI model
Pitch: Eb
1929 Selmer New Large Bore Gold Plated Alto Saxophone
Serial Number: 10626
Date of Manufacture: August 27, 1929
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Fair; visible oxidization on bell, bow
Type/Medium: Alto, Mark VI model
Pitch: Eb
Selmer Super Sax “Cigar Cutter” Alto Saxophone
Serial Number: 15649
Date of Manufacture: January 22, 1932
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Alto, Super “Cigar Cutter” model
Pitch: Eb
1927 Selmer Modele 26 Alto Saxophone
Serial Number: 5443
Date of Manufacture: March 21, 1927
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Alto, “Large bore” model, silver plated
Pitch: Eb
Buescher True Tone C Melody Saxophone
Serial Number: 357929
Date of Manufacture: 1921-1922
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Elkhart, IN
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: C Melody, “True Tone” model
Pitch: C
1962 Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone
Serial Number: M96596
Date of Manufacture: March 20, 1962
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Tenor, Mark VI
Pitch: Bb
Conn 12M Artist “Naked Lady” Baritone Saxophone
Serial Number: 357929
Date of Manufacture: 1953
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Elkhart, IN
Condition: Good
Type/Medium: Baritone, 12M “Naked Lady” model
Pitch: Eb
Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone
Serial Number: M60496
Date of Manufacture: October 20, 1955
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Paris
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Baritone, Mark VI (likely)
Pitch: Eb
Conn “Chu Berry” Bass Saxophone
Serial Number: M187905
Date of Manufacture: 1926-1927
Category: Single Reed
Origin: Elkhart, IN
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Bass, New Wonder model; “Odie Neal” enscribed on neck and bell
Pitch: Bb