History of the Saxophone ---

The saxophone is the latest of all woodwinds to be created and one of the most versatile single reed musical instruments. It was invented by a Belgian man, named Adolphe Sax, in 1814. Although it is now used for marching bands, military bands, saxophone quartets, concert bands, jazz ensembles and a number of other styles of music, the saxophone was previously utilized as merely a substitution for violins in early dance bands. It wasn't until the 1920's and 1930's that the saxophone attained the recognition that it deserved. With the help of many well-known saxophonists, the saxophone became an eminent component in any form of musical group.

Coming in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the small, piccolo-like soprano saxophone at 12 inches long, to the second largest woodwind instrument - the contrabass sax, which stands at nearly 6 ½ to 7 feet tall and is second only to the Bb sub contrabass tubax which is not technically a saxophone because of its narrower bore. The alto and tenor saxophone are the most frequently used because of their reasonable size and range.

Since most saxophones are made of brass you might consider that they should be brass instruments, but they are actually woodwinds because it is played very similar to a clarinet. The saxophone is the only woodwind instrument that has never been made out of wood. The saxophone body can be finished with many different materials like high-gloss brass lacquer, silver, gold, nickel, black nickel, colored lacquer, and the list goes on. The finish can have an effect on sound and appearance. With so many things that can vary in a saxophone, no two instruments are alike. From different reeds, sizes, mouthpieces, finishes, neck straps, shapes, corks, bodies, colors, weights, mouthpieces, ligatures, and many other things that make each saxophone unique.

Some saxophones are better than others but all have pitch inconsistencies. The saxophone is a necessary element for many bands. It creates warm, thick, luscious sound though intonation and blending can sometimes be difficult for a saxophonist to achieve. Good technique and interpretation will greatly assist a saxophonist in contributing to a musical group.

The saxophone family contains some of the most versatile instruments ever invented. Saxophones can be used in Jazz, Rock, Classical music, Ensembles, and everywhere its distinctive sounding notes are sought after.

Written By Jeffrey

Alto Saxophone Player

CLASS OF '08

Sources: scsc.essortment.com/saxophonehistor_rahv.htm, written by Lisa Carattini;
 library.thinkquest.org/5116/saxophone.htm, written by Samuel and Jason;
 inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmusic.htm, written by Mary Bellis;
bands.army.mil/masterclass/tusafb/jun2001/sax_basics.htm, written by Jeffrey Price;
www.saxophone.org/buyersguide/2.html. Images from
www.antiguawinds.com/products/saxophones/A565LQ.html;
 www.accent.cc/studentseries/altosax.htm;
 www.grothmusic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-547GL.html?E+scstore