The Incredible Instrument That is The Saxophone

862 Words2 Pages

When people think of the saxophone, some items that come to mind are jazz music, golden metal, and Kenny G. The saxophone consists of these, but it is also so much more. Playing the saxophone is a great experience that everyone should try. Although playing the saxophone may take some money and time, it is a great investment because it is a unique instrument with many benefits.

There are many different kinds of saxophones, but only a few are commonly used. The most common ones include the alto, baritone, tenor and soprano saxophones. Most tyros start on the alto saxophone. After learning the rudiments of the alto, players then can transition to a different kind of saxophone. One motif of the saxophone is that all of the finger positions are the same no matter which type of saxophone one is playing.

Constance Meyer states in the Los Angeles Times, “It [the saxophone] was invented in the 1840s by the Belgian Adolphe Sax for military bands and orchestral use.” Although the saxophone is still used in orchestras and military bands, today most people associate the saxophone with jazz music. The saxophone is one of the many symbols of jazz and has become popular through jazz. Players such as Charlie Parker and John Coltrane became famous playing jazz music on the saxophone. Saxophones are used in many types of music because they produce a sound that goes well with other instruments and can be played with any style of music. Saxophonist and composer Tommy Smith states in his own words the extent of a saxophone’s musical range. “The saxophone's sonic possibilities are limitless, like an aural kaleidoscope. Its sound inspires sensuality but it but [sic] can rock out and scream with anger and frustration.”

The saxophone has a very uniq...

... middle of paper ...

...t only improves one’s mental ability, but his physical one as well. Playing the saxophone requires coordination. A person must coordinate his eyes, fingers, facial muscles and breathing patterns in order to produce music. Breathing techniques used to play the saxophone strengthen the lungs and stomach muscles. Practicing the saxophone will help a person in sports and other physical activities.

Made famous through jazz, the saxophone is a unique instrument that is used in most musical groups today. Playing the saxophone helps improve mental and physical abilities. Most importantly, playing the saxophone is fun.

Works Cited

Meyer, Constance. "On a More Serious Note." Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA). 13 Mar

2005: n.p. SIRS Renaissance. Web. 13 Mar 2011.

Ardley, Neil. Music: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: Facts On File Publications, 1986.

Print.

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