*SOPRANO * ALTO * TENOR * BARI*
CHECKLIST: TO BE OR NOT TO BE A ROCKSTAR MUSICIAN
Every day in class you will need the following items to make your music making time successful for you:
Instrument
Book 1
Folder
Sheet Music
Pencil
Reeds
Cleaning kit
Neck strap
A good way to keep track of these items is to have a consistent place for them. This could be your backpack, the band storage room, or your space of choice at home.
Tip: Put your instrument by the door the night before so you don't forget it!
Saxophone Checklist Video
ASSEMBLY: WHAT IS IN THAT CASE?
Check the link below for a detailed description of the saxophone parts in your case. Do this BEFORE you put it together!
Find your neck strap and put it on. Adjust it if it is really long, however, you may need to wait to see where the instrument fits on your body before finding the perfect neck strap length.
Take out the body of the saxophone by holding the bell. Find the loop on the back and hook on the neck strap. Carefully remove the end plug on the top of the body (this protects the octave key rod!).
Find the neck of the saxophone. Make sure the tension screws are loose on the body and fit the two pieces together. (Note: the neck sleeve and the body will only fit together if the parts are clean.) Push the neck fully into the body and line it up so it is centered to your body.
Look at the cork that is on the neck. This is only piece of cork that will need grease regularly (about once a week). If the cork is dry, it will crack and fall off. When applying grease, make sure it is evenly spread and all extra grease is removed with a cloth. If it is not removed, your mouthpiece may move around while you are playing.
Next find your mouthpiece and remove the cap and the ligature. Carefully twist your mouthpiece onto the neck so that half the cork is covered. This placement might change later depending on what is needed for tuning.
Saxophone Set Up
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM: FROM THIS TO THAT
SETTING UP THE REED: WHY AM I LICKING CANE?
The reed set up is most influential part of creating a good sound. This is the part of the instrument that creates the sound vibrations.
Find the ligature and make sure the screws are loosened. Place the larger end of the ligature over the mouthpiece. The screws should be on the right side of the mouthpiece if you are looking straight at it. Next, take your reed and holding it away from the mouthpiece, slide it under the ligature. Place the reed so it is centered on the mouthpiece at the top and the bottom. Check the distance of the reed from the tip of the mouthpiece by pressing the end of the reed lightly. You should see a hairline of black above the tip of the reed.
Tighten the screws on the ligature just enough to secure the reed. Avoid overtightening because the reed will not vibrate.
Make sure before you play that the mouthpiece is going to lay flat against your lip when you play. When you are not playing, you will want to place the mouthpiece cap over the mouthpiece to avoid damaging the reed. To avoid hitting the reed, slide the cap carefully over the mouthpiece at an angle.
Saxophone Reed Set Up
POSTURE: DO I LOOK GOOOOOOOOD?
Good Instrument set up +Good Embouchure + Good Playing Posture = Best Sound!
You have two options when sitting with your instrument: traditional position or alternate position. When we are sitting, we are going to use traditional because as a beginner player it will set your embouchure up for the most success. When we stand, we will use the alternate position.
Sitting Using Traditional Position: When you sit in a chair to play, make sure you are relaxed and your legs fit comfortably under your hips. Sit tall but make sure you can feel the curve in your lower back. This will set you up for well-supported breathing!
Next, swing the saxophone to your right side. Adjust the neck strap after bringing the instrument to a relaxed playing position. Check that the reed is flat with the lower lip and teeth. The neck strap should hold the weight of the instrument.
Important note: make sure the instrument is touching the back leg and not the hip. If it touches the hip it is too far back, creating tension. This will impact breathing and the position of the right hand. The resulting sound will be thin and reedy because the head is tilted downward, throat is cramped, and the breath is not well supported.
Standing Using Alternative Position: When standing with the instrument have feet slightly apart with right foot slightly ahead of the other to help with balance. Stand tall and hold the instrument in front of the body instead of to the side. The right thumb will support the weight of the instrument when standing.
Rest Position: Lay the saxophone across the body with the curve of the bell resting on the right leg. The neck strap is left in position on the instrument. In this position, you are able to move the music around, stay relaxed, and move to playing position easily.
Saxophone Positions
TIP: Use a mirror during assembly and embouchure set up. This will help correct problem areas quickly!
Sitting Position
Standing or Alternative Position
HAND POSITION: "U's" FOR ALL
Hand position is important for building good technique and facility on the saxophone. You can check your hand position by making a "U with the thumb and pointer fingers on both hands. Notice your fingers are slightly curved and your hand is relaxed. There should be no muscular tension in the fingers, wrists, arms, or shoulders.
The thumb of the right hand should be on the thumb rest at all times. The right little finger touches the Eb key lightly, allowing the other fingers to naturally fall in a curve.
The thumb on the left hand operates the octave key and is placed diagonally across the instrument so the fleshy part of the thumb is on the plate. Roll the thumb up, using the wrist not the arm, to press the octave key but keep the thumb in position (this is like rolling the A on Clarinet). The little finger of the left hand lightly touches the G-sharp key.
With both hands in position, this creates what is called a guide position. The wrists are almost flat and the "U" shape of the hands is kept in tact. Avoid making a "V" as this will make it hard to reach the finger keys. When playing, keep fingers low to the keys and close keys lightly avoiding pounding. Use the pads of the fingers instead of the tips.
Saxophone Hand Position
CLEANING YOUR INSTRUMENT
When you are done playing your instrument, it is important to take it apart and clean it EVERY TIME. This will help keep the instrument in good playing condition.
Taking apart the saxophone is the same as putting it together. The reed is removed, then the ligature, then the mouthpiece, the neck, the body, and the neck strap. You will need the cleaning kit you purchased with your instrument.
Swabbing the Mouthpiece
After removing the reed and the ligature from the mouthpiece, take out the cloth swab from the cleaning kit. Note: this will need to be washed frequently by throwing it in your laundry!
Take the swab and pull it through the mouthpiece until the mouthpiece is dry. Put mouthpiece back in the case. Note: the mouthpiece will need to be cleaned weekly with dish soap and warm water.
Cleaning the Neck
Next, loosen the tension screw on the body of the saxophone and remove the neck. You will need the neck cleaner and a hand kerchief with a cord from your cleaning kit.
Lightly shake any moisture out of the neck.
Push the swab side of the neck cleaner through the bottom of the neck, moving it back and forth until the neck is dry. This will need to be done daily. Use brush end weekly to remove any particles.
Cleaning the Body
To clean the body of the saxophone, hold it by the bell and unhook it from the neck strap. Shake lightly to remove any extra moisture. Drop the swab into the bell and tilt the instrument so the weight comes out the smaller end. Pull the swab back and forth until it is dry.
Cleaning the Connecting Joint
To clean the connecting joint, wipe out connecting joint with cloth and put the end plug back in, protecting the octave key rod.
Cleaning the Bell and Other Areas
Use a soft cloth to wipe out the bell or other areas where there are no keys. Remove fingerprints and dust weekly as this will help protect the finish on the instrument.
Cleaning the Saxophone
You are set up like a pro! Click the button below to move on to embouchure formation