A Wonderful Instrument: The Saxophone

The saxophone is a wonderful instrument. As a member of the reed and woodwind family of instruments it is usually compared to the clarinet or flute. As an instrument that could reach four octaves, there is much you can play and plenty of room for experimentation. Saxophones are normally made of brass to create their colorful, characteristic sound, but some, in the past have been made of copper, silver, bronze, and even plastic. There are four main saxophones that are commonly used which are soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. Soprano and tenor saxophones are in the key of Bb and alto and baritone saxophones are in the key of Eb. There are also the less commonly known Sopranino in Eb, bass in Bb, Contrabass in Eb, and subcontrabass in Bb. These …show more content…
The first saxophone’s were quickly implemented into the military bands for their large sound and humongous range. Although it was never largely used in orchestras, it became one of the most integral parts of a jazz ensemble of any size. Many didn’t take the instrument very serious at first, but once it hit the jazz scene, it instantly was adapted to many upbeat and bluesy styles and spread like wildfire throughout jazz and many other styles of music. Today, the saxophone is an important part of any high school band. A marching band without saxophones is a disaster. To be quite honest, saxophones are a much needed part of any large ensemble other than an orchestral one. Saxophone are often times still used in jazz for intense solos, quick improvisation, and blasting melodies. The saxophone has actually become quite prominent in pop music in short, fun, repetitive, lyrical riffs. In songs like “Problem” by Ariana Grande, saxophones are writing future history to be placed among the books and inspire the many players of saxophone and those who aspire to play saxophone to work hard and do their very best. Many saxophone players such as Chris Potter, Chad Bell, and Melissa Padgett have inspired me to push myself as an artist to be creative and really work towards an understanding of what direction I should go stylistically and having the know-how to create the pathway there. As a saxophone player among many, I feel as though I am a part of a community or a family. It’s almost as though I am automatically closer to those who play saxophone. Overall, this saxophone family is one that I am proud to be a part of and happy to carry the history of. Saxophone is truly a wonderful