Saxophone Archives - Band Directors Talk Shop

Reed Storage and Longevity Strategies for the Saxophonist

BandDirector — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:46:06 +0000

A properly functioning saxophone reed is essential for a successful performance. In addition, possessing several good reeds can boost confidence and motivate saxophonists to perform at their highest level. Likewise, not having an assortment of playable reeds can cause performers much anxiety, a loss of concentration, and preoccupy their thoughts – preventing them from focusing ... Read More about Reed Storage and Longevity Strategies for the Saxophonist

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Reed Preparation and Adjustment Strategies for the Saxophonist

Carly Grace — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 09:50:19 +0000

Introduction A properly functioning saxophone reed is essential for a successful performance. In addition, possessing several good reeds can boost confidence and motivate saxophonists to perform at their highest level. Likewise, not having an assortment of playable reeds can cause performers much anxiety, a loss of concentration and preoccupy their thoughts, preventing them from focusing ... Read More about Reed Preparation and Adjustment Strategies for the Saxophonist

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Better Saxophone Sounds, Classical and Jazz: Advanced Techniques for Beginners and Fundamental Techniques for Professionals – Part 2

Carly Grace — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 01:50:22 +0000

To read part 1, click HERE. Part 2: Exercises to Shape the Sound Gaining control of all the variables in embouchure and tongue position can be facilitated by a few exercises. These can be done by beginners but are also great for experienced players to continue to refine and maintain control of the instrument. Mouthpiece ... Read More about Better Saxophone Sounds, Classical and Jazz: Advanced Techniques for Beginners and Fundamental Techniques for Professionals – Part 2

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Better Saxophone Sounds, Classical & Jazz: Advanced Techniques for Beginners & Fundamental Techniques for Professionals – Part 1

Carly Grace — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 01:49:29 +0000

Part 1: What makes the sound? The factors that determine sound quality can be grouped into three categories. In order of importance, they are: Concept – defined as a clear aural image of what we want to sound like acquired through repeated listening. How we play, including embouchure and airstream focus based on the oral ... Read More about Better Saxophone Sounds, Classical & Jazz: Advanced Techniques for Beginners & Fundamental Techniques for Professionals – Part 1

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DO Sweat the Small Stuff – Beginning Woodwinds

BandDirector — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 03:16:17 +0000

After teaching for over 13 years, taking many student teachers, and working with new teachers as colleagues, I began reflecting on my first few years as a teacher. It is hard as a new or even veteran teacher to focus on the small stuff and make it a priority. It is so easy to get ... Read More about DO Sweat the Small Stuff – Beginning Woodwinds

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Saxophone F# & C – There’s a Time and Place for Every Fingering

BandDirector — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:14:10 +0000

This is the second post in a series on saxophone fingering options. As I discussed in my previous article on saxophone fingering of Bb, I strongly advocate teaching all common fingerings for a particular note at the same time to avoid allowing the student to develop a favorite. In this article, I’ll cover 2 more ... Read More about Saxophone F# & C – There’s a Time and Place for Every Fingering

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There’s a Time and a Place for Every Fingering (Sax – Bb)

BandDirector — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:42:35 +0000

There are a handful of conversations that come up in saxophone lessons with great regularity. One that I’d like to discuss here is the “Favorite Fingering” talk. This is where I tell the student, for instance, which B flat fingering to use and they counter with a variation of, “Actually, I prefer the side fingering. It’s ... Read More about There’s a Time and a Place for Every Fingering (Sax – Bb)

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