WHAT IS A SAXOPHONE?
The Saxophone is a woodwind instrument and is usually Gold and wonderfully shiny. Its fairly large and has lots of buttons for changing notes. You need to take big breaths and blow a lot of air, but the sound is fairly easy to make when you're first learning. The sax is pretty loud, and is most often found playing popular music and jazz as well as in concert bands like at Upscale Music.
WHERE DOES IT FIT IN THE BAND?
The Alto saxophone sound makes up the middle of the band- Not too high or too low. The saxophone players also sit in the middle of the band. The middle row, in the centre of the ensemble.
They have sound all around them. Drums, trumpets and trombones behind them, clarinets and flutes to either side. Its an exciting place to be if you can handle it! Not for the feint hearted!
HOW DO I KNOW IF IT'S FOR ME?
You need to be strong enough to hold it, but you get a neck strap to help, and you need to have fairly good finger dexterity for pressing lots of buttons. The sound is made by blowing into the mouthpiece to make a reed vibrate, and its fairly easy to get a good beginner sound. Playing softly requires some more skill!
CAN I TRY IT ON FOR SIZE?
Absolutely! That's the best way to see if Alto Saxophone is the instrument for you. Book into an Instrument Demo session to try the Sax with the guidance of an Upscale Music Teacher.
