Forum of the Saxes

OldEyes · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Cuckooland

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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On a Dilemma Between What I Need and What I Just Want

reisio · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 177 Location: Florida

Why didn't they offer you whichever sax you normally play? /me shakes his head at ignorant music instructors

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 9:36 am Post subject:

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! Mr. Green

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

BariSax37 · Joined: 24 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: Warren MI

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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Jason Hamilton
Baritone Saxophonist
Warren Mott High
Warren MI

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 9:37 am Post subject:

Wow...Jason's post and mine back to back is definitely weird Shocked

....^ and what he said too Mr. Green

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

Bariman · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 1:11 pm Post subject:

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

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 1:18 pm Post subject:

Bariman,

Now the Selmer police will come and beat you up and steal your Buescher's (or Conn's...I forget Laughing

) and leave you a gleaming (but stuffy) Super Action 80 II bari Twisted Evil

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

Bariman · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 2:33 pm Post subject:

*Busts out hanbojutsu moves and scares of Selmer police*

No one messes with The Conn. No one.

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

OldEyes · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Cuckooland

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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On a Dilemma Between What I Need and What I Just Want

reisio · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 177 Location: Florida

Bariman · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 4:58 pm Post subject:

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

OldEyes · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Cuckooland

Thank you very much Bariman!
_________________
On a Dilemma Between What I Need and What I Just Want

Bariman · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 9:58 pm Post subject:

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