Forum of the Saxes

CMelodyMan · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:10 pm Post subject: Alto to tenor

I play mainly alto, and since school starts in about a week, and I won't be in band for half of the year, I'm thinking about borrowing one my school's tenors to give something else to practice on. Is it very hard to play tenor after playing alto? I only played tenor once, and that was in Honor Jazz Band. I made 2nd chair on a sax I had never even played before! Anyway, can anybody give me some tips on good tenor embouchure, etc.

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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano

JPSaxMan · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 2:56 pm Post subject:

Dave,

To answer your question; yes and no.

It takes a somewhat stronger embouchure (as you already know) to do a tenor, so therefore that might take some getting used to with intonation and stuff, but other than that it should be like riding a bike! Cool

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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Bariman · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 3:36 pm Post subject:

I agree. Theoretically, it is entirerly possible to pass from soprano to bass, but in practice, it takes some work. Spend a day or so with the horn, practicing on and off, and you will adapt. You'll also notice your tone improve on alto, too.

Bariman
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Resident Conn Aficionado, Baritone Saxophonist
Currently Moderating 'Vintage Horns', and the Usergroup for Bari Saxophonists!