I composed my Octet project, Jazz Suite For Alto Sax, between 2007 and 2008, during my final year at the Paris Conservatory. For the recital that would mark the end of my studies I wanted to write a piece that would combine my knowlegde of classical and jazz music. I wrote what would become the first movement of this Jazz Suite. This inspired me to write 6 other movements using the same orchestration. The project falls within the confines of jazz composition, but I wanted it to also fit into a classical structure: several movements, featuring solo parts for each instrument, with the alto saxophone as lead soloist. The addition of the French horn to the traditional jazz instrumentation (alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet/flugelhorn and trombone) enhances this classical "touch". It makes the horn section sound more "orchestral".