OldEyes
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Playing the baritone saxophone.Greetings,
On Thursday, I was offered the oppertunity to play the baritone saxophone for the school's wind ensemble. Considering that I never played the baritone, what will be anticipated? What in terms of the embouchure will be different? Any sort of advice will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Regards,
Alexander
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reisio
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Why didn't they offer you whichever sax you normally play? /me shakes his head at ignorant music instructors
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JPSaxMan
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Reisio,
Sometimes the director needs you to fill in on a certain spot (the one that's not open for your main instrument) and he is asking you, as an apparent gifted player, to take on the challenge of doing him this favor.
Alex, depending on the bari you'll be using (good or bad) you might have to adjust to it's leaks, and if there's a leak down low you might cause the bari to "fart" (especially when trying to play quiet...lack of breath support is all it is). If it's a good bari, you won't have this problem, and you'll be able to learn like all new bari players should learn.
Good luck! 
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BariSax37
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well I play the Bari and I can tell you what to expect... big, heavy, lots of air, low notes an octave lower than the alto, and a great great sound. as said my Jay Easton"the baritone is like the cello of the woodwinds" and its true. we play bass line and melody SOMETIMES, we are in between low and hi and can blend in good with just about any instrument. If you do decide to play the bari sax, get ready for the time of your life.
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JPSaxMan
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Wow...Jason's post and mine back to back is definitely weird  ....^ and what he said too
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Bariman
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Try to loosen up your embrochure a bit too. Remember, the bari is not a big alto sax, it is a baritone, and is it's own beast. Do you know what make/model you will be playing on? For beginneres, modern horns are easier to play on, and are often looked to as the staple in classical music, whereas vintage horns are the top dogs in the swing/jazz/bebop arena (there, I said it).
Try to get a harness if you are going to be playing a lot and try different mpc/reed combos. If you successfully take up baritone, either Joel or myself will give you access to the baritone forum so you can take part in our discussions about the bari. We actually have some pretty good Q and A going on in there that will help with your playing.
Bariman
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JPSaxMan
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Bariman,
Now the Selmer police will come and beat you up and steal your Buescher's (or Conn's...I forget  ) and leave you a gleaming (but stuffy) Super Action 80 II bari 
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Bariman
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*Busts out hanbojutsu moves and scares of Selmer police*
No one messes with The Conn. No one.
Bariman
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OldEyes
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Greetings,
Thank you everyone for the replies!
As for the model/make it is a Selmer USA that descends to a low Bb.
I appreciate your offer in regards to the Baritone usergroup. I'll definetly have some inquires!
Regards,
Alexander
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reisio
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| Bariman wrote: | | access to the baritone forum |
Hrmmmm, secret forums?
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Bariman
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Not secret, just exclusive. There is a group for every size, so no one should be left out.
OldEyes: The Selmer USA's are ok, predictable in such a situation. Air support and practice are both needed a lot to master the bari. I'll add you to the bari group so you can have a look at our discussions.
Bariman
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OldEyes
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Thank you very much Bariman!
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Bariman
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Bariman
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GAS_Wyoming
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As stated by JPSaxMan, I would feel privileged to have the opportunity to ply your trade on the Bari. And I agree that your director is probably trying to fill a part he thinks you could benefit from getting to know a little better...the baritone/bass/tenor line of the music.
When I started it really took me by surprise for about 2 days. I had made the switch from Tenor to Bari. I had to relax my embrochure to even get a sound out of it. I played with the sound for a few days and got the hang of it. When I switched back to tenor for concert season my lips hurt for days afterward.
Expect to really learn that bass line...to me that's the best part of it. I like to be the anchor for the many chords going on around me. When I get the melody I listen to others around me and just enjoy making that part of the music with them.
As for physical issues, again I agree with the previous posts saying you should expect to lug around a lot of metal, use lots of air, and really learn the meaning of 'support' of the airstream.
Here's another tip. Play the horn for a couple of days and see how easy it is to blow those pianissimo notes from D1 on down. If you know you're making good music with the rest of the horn and you can't get those notes out, ask your director to get the thing in the shop for some emergency surgery. In fact, I'd have the director put the horn in the shop ahead of you getting it (if possible) to make sure it's you that needs to adjust, not the horn. Starting with a good tight horn from the beginning will help immensely!
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