Play and Perform
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One of the first songs most musicians learns is Hot Cross Buns. It’s a simple melody. There are only three notes. For the saxophone, those notes are B, A, and G. But there are also three kinds of notes. Whole notes that get four counts of sound. Half notes that two counts of sound. And…
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With The Funky Cabbage! Follow and copy the rhythm. In this song – only breathe on the rests. Use the tongue against the reed to separate the notes, but try to keep the air going.
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Harmony vs. Melody When you play a series of notes by yourself, you are playing a melody. Listen below to hear a very classical sounding melody. Cannon in D melody When two or more different notes occur at the same time, it creates harmony. Harmony can produce a happy sound (MAJOR Harmony). Or a sad…
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The flute is a beautiful instrument, but it can be tricky to get a nice sound on it right away. This video will demonstrate how to create a nice sound on the head joint. TIP: Practice flute a little every day to help you memorize how it feels to get a sound. Soon you won’t…
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The clarinet has a wonderful, warm sound and an incredible range. Here’s how to get a good sound. First step is putting it together correctly. Now you’re ready to make a sound! TIP: Make sure you dampen your reed before playing. TIP: Play your first sounds without pressing any of the buttons or keys. TIP:…
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B, A, G are the first notes we learn on the sax. These notes are played with the left hand only. Keep your right thumb under the thumb rest, but don’t close any keys. Each picture below shows which buttons you’ll need to press. Next to each picture. You’ll see how those notes are written.
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Congratulations! You’ve decided to play the saxophone – one of the coolest sounding instruments out there. Although it doesn’t always sound so great right away. Not to worry. This lesson covers the three steps you need to get your first sounds. Of course, it helps to put the instrument together correctly. Here’s a great video…
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A great way to practice is to play along with music. Here are several tracks to songs most beginning musicians will learn. Merry Had A Little Lamb (Merrily We Roll Along) Key of Bb. Ode To Joy (Theme from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony) Key of Bb. Twinkle Twinkle Key of Bb Old McDonald Key of Eb
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By Jeremy A. Wall This Article First Appeared in Muse (Cricket Media) May/June 2021 STEP 1Survive Childhood. Seems like a no-brainer, but for the oldest son of Charles and Maria Sax, this was no easy task. Antoine-Joseph was born on November 6, 1814 in Dinat, Belgium. By age ten, he had accidentally drunk poison, fallen…
Jeremy A. Wall 