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SAX Instruments Saxophone
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New Maxam Alto Saxophone & Free Case |
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Woodwind WWTS Tenor Saxophone Tenor - Lacquer |
Woodwind WWSTCU Double Neck Soprano Sax |
Keilwerth ST90 Baritone Saxophone |
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How to Choose a Saxophone The
saxophone is perhaps the most widely heard solo instrument of
the wind family in popular and jazz music. It has a singing
quality with a rich middle register, commanding low register,
and an exciting and colorful extended range. Young
saxophonists can enjoy performing in many large ensembles
including concert, jazz, and marching bands as well as wind
ensemble. Although not a regular member of the orchestra
woodwind section, orchestral composers occasionally score for
one or more saxophones, and sometimes incorporate a saxophone
quartet. There is also a good body of concerto repertoire for
the saxophone.
The study of the saxophone inevitably involves learning
soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Most players, however,
choose to establish a recognizable solo voice on only one of
these. Additionally, saxophonists often double on clarinet and
flute in order to open up more opportunities for employment. |
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HISTORY
Invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax of Brussels, Belgium, the
saxophone is the most recently developed member of the
woodwind family. It is a hybrid instrument with a key system
based on the Boehm fingering system c.1832, as is the case
with the clarinet, oboe, and flute. The saxophone has a
conical bore like an oboe, a reed and mouthpiece like a
clarinet, and a metal body (brass) like the brass family of
instruments.
THE SAXOPHONE FAMILY
1. Sopranino Eb
2. C Melody Soprano C
3. Soprano Bb
4. Alto Eb
5. C Melody C
6. Tenor Bb
7. Baritone Eb
8. Bass Bb
9. Contrabass Eb
10. Subcontrabass Bb
1, 3, 4, 6, 7, & 8 are most commonly used. 1 & 8 are
used mainly in orchestral and wind ensemble works, less so in
jazz and commercial music. 2 & 5 were used mostly in the
earlier part of the 20th century for players who did not wish
to transpose. Piano or violin parts could be read with greater
ease, for instance.
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Saxophone Accessories |
Saxophone Sheet Music |
Saxophone Music Minus One |
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IS THE SAXOPHONE DIFFICULT TO PLAY?
Unlike the flute and clarinet, the saxophone is very
accommodating in the early stages of musical development.
Within the standard range, notes respond easily, even with the
most undeveloped embouchure _ the position of the lips in
producing a tone _ and breathing technique. The saxophone is
not as prone to "squeak" like the clarinet or sound
airy and flat like the flute in the beginning. Soon
thereafter, however, much attention need be given to the
development of good posture, support, relaxation, hand
position, breathing, embouchure, articulation, and manual
dexterity. |
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 Whether
you're just starting out or looking to enhance your education,
this page will help you find the perfect method books for
piano and guitar. Or, check out our Band Instrument Methods
for Trumpet, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Tuba, Bassoon
and other methods.
This Band Instruments Method Books Guide will help you find
the perfect method books for Woodwinds
instruments and Brass
instruments.
For more learning resources, see our Piano
Method Book, Teach
Yourself guitar, Guitar
Method books, Musical
instruments and i
Song series. |
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