MSU College of Music Collections
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 saxphones are located in a second floor display in the Billman Music Pavilion.
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1976-77
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Sopranino, Mark VII model; Nr.
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1954-74
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Soprano, Mark VI model
Pitch: Bb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1954-74
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Alto, Mark VI model
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1954-74
Condition: Fair; visible oxidization on bell, bow
Type/Medium: Alto, Mark VI model
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1931-32
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Alto, Super "Cigar Cutter" model
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1928-30
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Alto, "Large bore" model, silver plated
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Buescher
Origin: Elkhart, IN
Date: 1905-33
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: C Melody, "True Tone" model
Pitch: C
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1954-74
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Tenor, Mark VI
Pitch: Bb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: C. G. Conn, Ltd.
Origin: Elkhart, IN
Date: 1934-68
Condition: Good
Type/Medium: Baritone, 12M "Naked Lady" model
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: Selmer
Origin: Paris
Date: 1954-74
Condition: Excellent
Type/Medium: Baritone, Mark VI (likely)
Pitch: Eb
Category: Single Reed
Maker: C. G. Conn, Ltd.
Origin: Elkhart, IN
Date: 1916-25
Condition: Very Good
Type/Medium: Bass, New Wonder model; "Odie Neal" enscribed on neck and bell
Pitch: Bb
