A Rockin' Bongoverture

Ton Verhiel was born on January 4th 1956 in Heerlen (Limburg – The Netherlands). After finishing his Grammar School, he studied classical saxophone and music theory at the Maastricht Conservatory, The Netherlands. Currently, he teaches saxophone at the Sittard Music School, music education at an elementary school and a school for mentally handicapped children and he works as a music critic. He regularly gives concerts, a.o. with organ, accordeon (Duo Concertante) and in other chamber music formations. Besides many compositions for saxophone(s) and a lot of children songs, he wrote a lot of compositions for wind band too. A great part of which are published at Tierolff Muziekcentrale. He also writes both saxophonehistorical as well as educational articles for a German bulletin and for the Dutch National Association of Saxophone Teachers and he is the author of a book about the use and history of the saxophone. On Verhiel’s request, several composers wrote original music especially for saxophone and organ and saxophone solo. In 1995 he produced a cassette tape with music for saxophone called "An Entertaining Evening with the Saxophone", in 2000 the CD "Just for Fun" for saxophone and accordeon and in 2003 a CD was released with music for saxophone and organ. In 1996 Ton Verhiel was awarded the Culture Price of the Dutch city of Landgraaf and in 1999 he received the Needle of Honour of the Hessische Musikverband, Germany. More information can be found on www.tonverhiel.com.