The Saxophone Orchestra UK was founded in October 2021 under the name "Saxophone Orchestra Manchester" by professional saxophonist and music educator, Saira Clegg. The ensemble is a specialist orchestra with the main goal of providing valuable ensemble experience to adult learners of the saxophone.

The Saxophone Orchestra UK started as a biannual, intensive weekend course. It soon became apparent that there was a greater need for ensemble playing and so SOMonthly was founded as a monthly group in June 2022 followed by a Training Band in 2023. In 2025 the Saxophone Orchestra Leeds joined the Saxophone Orchestra UK, followed by the Saxophone Orchestra Birmingham in 2026.