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…

Sheree Buchli Title: Physics of the Saxophone Investigated Summary: 1. Summary-Definition/Description of Alto Saxophone The alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgium instrument designer Adolphe Sax in the 1840s and patented in 1846. 2. Aim With this paper I am discussing existing knowledge on the physics of the Alto Saxophone, in particular the creation of sound. Introduction: 1. History The Saxophone is an instrument with a single…

The saxophone is one of, if not, the most played woodwind instruments available. It is just a very popular instrument in general for its unique sound, instrument variations and versatility, and difficulty of play. The instrument is generally made out of brass metal and produces sound through the vibration of a reed, or a piece of wood put in the mouthpiece of the instrument. The sound travels through the inside of the horn and comes out at the end projecting it out with a pitch (or note). The…

I began playing the alto saxophone when I was in fifth grade. I was barely big enough to be able to play it, but my elementary school music teacher encouraged me to play the instrument that I wanted to play rather than what would have better suited my current size. I have learned several other instruments since first picking up a saxophone, but I have never been as inspired to further my progression with them like I have with saxophone. I have enjoyed playing in different bands, settings and…

Have you ever wanted to play the most notable instrument in a band, or have the glory of being one of the most original instruments to this day? If so, the tenor saxophone is perfect for you! The tenor saxophone is a woodwind instrument that is very outstanding in jazz musical groups and is also one of the most important sounds in a concert or marching band because it plays the inner harmony parts or doubles the melodic lines in a musical piece. The Tenor is pitched in B flat and is larger and…

The album Time Out was recorded in 1959 by The Dave Brubeck Quartet. The quartet featured Dave Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Dave Brubeck was not known for his outstanding musicianship like that of Paul Desmond, Brubeck was well known as a composer and bandleader. Paul Desmond was the best musician in The Dave Brubeck Quartet and he brought his soft, melodic, and imaginative style to the band. Desmond was one of the best known…

Texas State Jazz Ensemble: Special Guess Steve Houghton- Music Critique The Texas State Jazz ensemble, with special guest drummer Steve Houghton, was filled with an uplifting set list. A mixture of trumpets, drums, piano, saxophones, bass, guitar, and trombones played harmoniously with distinct soloist for each song. The Texas State Jazz ensemble did a wonderful job, especially their solo performers. Steve Houghton was also quite fantastic, living up to his name. The overall experience was very…

concert. During the concert, the Jazz Lab band and the Jazz Ensemble, both directed by Tim AuBuchon, played several jazz standards and modern favorites. The Jazz Lab band started out the night with five big band pieces. The instrumentation of the Jazz Lab band was standard for a big band; it included about four of each horn (saxophone, trumpet, and trombone), an upright bass, a piano, and a drumset. The group played several big band standards like Take the A-Train, the famous song…

The saxophone proved to gain acceptance when it came to America. Oddly enough, a woman by the name Elise Boyer Hall (1853-1924) was the first to perform on and let the United States know how truly incredible the saxophone is. She began learning the saxophone while she was recovering from typhoid fever. She commissioned many solo works from world renowned composer that had written for this new instrument. A few of these composers include Richard Strauss, Claude Debussy and Georges Bizet.…

The great jazz musician Charlie Parker once said, “Don’t play the saxophone. Let it play you”. Since first picking up a saxophone, this has been my motto to live by. When I let out my first note, my life was completely turned around. Five years ago, I had no idea I would be the best saxophonist in my class. I could not play one instrument, much less four. Also, ten year old me did not know the definition of composition, let alone how to make one. Playing the saxophone has caused my school…