Kelly Findlaya1646568

Includes:

- Background Information - Technique & range - Diagram of Instrument - Fingering Chart - Repertoire and ensembles - Purchasing a Baritone Saxophone - Tips & Hints - Resources

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A Guide to Teaching the

Baritone Saxophone

Kelly Findlaya1646568

Background Information

The saxophone was invented in 1846 by Adolphe Joseph Sax, a Belgian musical instrument maker with his workshop in Paris. The instruments really started to gain popularity in the 1930s as the Jazz Age evolved.

Sax invented the 4 most commonly played saxophones: the (Bb) soprano, (Eb) alto, (Bb) tenor and (Eb) baritone. Now there are many variations of these instruments, and other less common saxophones such as the sopranino and bass saxophone.

The baritone saxophone (“bari-sax") is the lowest and largest member of the saxophone family. It is often associated with having a growly, bass sound.

Saxophones are considered members of the woodwind family. This is because they are played by directing air (wind) against a wooden reed. They are closely related to the clarinet. For this reason, a saxophonist would always carry a reed, and several spares in their instrument case.

Baritones saxophones are usually made of brass and consist of 2 main parts that are held together with cork. The keys are usually coated in mother of pearl.

Refer to the diagram for the parts of the baritone saxophone.

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Technique

The baritone saxophone is played by blowing air against the reed and through the instrument. As the baritone saxophone is larger than the more common alto and tenor, it requires more air to create a sound.

The left hand plays the top set of keys, and the right hand plays the bottom set of keys. The left thumb also plays a part but having it’s own set of keys at the back of the body, whilst the right thumb helps control and hold the saxophone.

Embouchure is what you do with your mouth. Developing a good embouchure is associated with having good technique. A different embouchure is needed for articulation, low notes, and high notes.

Beginner saxophone players usually struggle to make a nice tone, or even make a sound to begin with. Regular practise will help them build the muscles needed to comfortably play the instrument.

As the student progresses with the instrument and has built up a good technique, they might start to come across repertoire that requires them to play overtones.

Range

Baritone saxophones are transposing instruments. Like the alto saxophone, they are E-flat instruments so sound a minor 3rd or a major 6th different from concert pitched instruments.

Most modern baritone saxophones have the addition of the ‘low A’ whereas others can play a B-flat as their lowest note.

High notes are called ‘altissimo’ and require an embouchure of good technique.

Like other saxophones, there is often alternative fingering for notes. The more alternate fingerings a student knows, the better chance they have of playing passages quickly or smoothly.

Baritone saxophone music is usually written in the treble clef. However, the sound produced is actually an octave and a Major 6th lower than written. Being in the treble clef makes it easier for alto saxophone players to convert to playing the baritone saxophone as much of the fingering is the same.

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Repertoire

Comparably, there isn't as much solo repertoire for the baritone as the tenor or alto saxophones. Most repertoire is Jazz, with an increasing amount of modern repertoire being composed. 20th Century composers such as Stockhausen, Ives and Glass have written music for the baritone saxophone.

Students can still choose to perform repertoire for the alto saxophone as it is also transposed to the same key. AMEB offers saxophone exams which may be taken on any saxophone.

Ensembles

The baritone saxophone is a standard member of Big Band ensembles. The baritone saxophone part is often similar to the bass trombone part. Usually one baritone saxophone is enough as it can make quite an impact on its own.

It also features in concert bands and saxophone ensembles/quartets. It’s growling bass tone is a stand out feature.

Purchasing a Baritone Saxophone

Cost Baritone Saxophones are more expensive than the alto and tenor as they require more material.

Professional baritone saxophones exceed $7,000 however student baritones start at $4,600 for a Buffet or Jupiter model. Yamaha however, starts at $6,500.

Used baritone saxophones are sometimes available online, or via stores like Presto. This can be a affordable option.

Size Music offers instrument hiring for $440 per school term. Some schools offer their own instrument hire through Size, making the price cheaper at $360 a term.

Stores Presto Musical Repairs, located 620 Marion Rd, Park Holme. Website: http://prestomusicalrepairs.com/index.php/saxophones.html

Size Music, located 74 Glen Osmond Rd, Parkside Website: http://size.com.au/saxophone/

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(Online NSW based) Sax and Woodwind Website: http://www.saxandwoodwind.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65_69

Students might like to consider upgrading the standard mouthpiece that comes with the instrument.

A student should keep the following in their case: - spare reeds - cork grease - a pull through cloth - neck strap/harness

Having spare reeds are essential for students of any level. Reeds are very delicate and can chip easily. Teach the students to put the ligature loosely on before inserting the reed against the mouthpiece to minimise the risk of chipping the reeds. Reeds come in sizes 1-5 (sometimes in half and quarter sizing). The size relates to the thickness of the reed. Advanced players usually opt for a thicker reed as they believe it gives them a fuller tone. However, they are harder to play with. A size 2 reed will suit most beginners. Most instrumental teachers would advise against a student using a reed smaller than size 2 as it doesn’t teach them to build their mouth muscles at the same rate, and gives a weaker tone.

Reeds are cheap to purchase, especially if bought in bulk, and are available most music stores. Rico is a common and reliable brand.

Remind students of the importance of cleaning their instrument after each use. This will help them prolong their instrument and hopefully reduce the amount of services needed.

Tips and Considerations

1. Consider the age and size of the student before suggesting they play the baritone saxophone. It is a heavy instrument, weighing anywhere from 7-15kg and requires larger hands than the other saxophone options

2. When composing for the baritone sax, avoid writing too many low or high notes and keep within the middle register until the student develops their technique

3. The baritone sax is a great addition to big bands, concert bands and saxophone ensembles. Celebrate any student willing to give the instrument a go.

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4. Baritone saxophones need to be tuned like all other woodwind instruments. The student can warm up the instrument by blowing air through it and can tune by adjusting the mouthpiece’s position.

Resources for Teachers & Students

Sheet Music: Big Band standards will contain a baritone saxophone part. Any saxophone material

Cello sheet music, transposed for Baritone Saxophone

Websites: An interesting website on ‘all things saxophone’ : http://www.saxophone-guy.com/baritone.html

Jazz Baritone Saxophone, into jazz genres: http://jazzbarisax.com/baritone-saxophonists/

Article by Alain Cupper: http://jazzbarisax.com/articles/about-the-baritone-sax/

Rhapsody for Baritone Saxophone and Wind Orchestra by Mark Watters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYcltlCyAY

Cherokke for Baritone Saxophone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WxfBFIurxg

References

‘Saxophone Buyer’s Guide’, http://www.saxophone.org/resources/guide

Saxophone Guy, http://www.saxophone-guy.com/baritone.html

‘Baritone Saxophone’, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baritone_saxophone

Diagram of Baritone Saxophone, http://coloringpages24x7.com/saxophone+parts+drawing

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Kelly Findlaya1646568

Diagram of Baritone Saxophone (http://coloringpages24x7.com/saxophone+parts+drawing)

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Kelly Findlay 2016

Ten Tips for the Baritone Saxophone

in High School Ensembles

1. The baritone saxophone is an E-flat instrument. It sounds an

octave and a major 6th lower than written!

4. Students should consider their posture, especially when sitting. Like

singers, saxophonists will struggle with their breathing and may cause strain

on their back with bad posture.

2. Recommend a senior student takes on the ‘bari-sax’. A middle school student might struggle with the air required to

play the big instrument.

7. Re-tune the saxophone after warming up.

3. Saxophonists should understand the importance of tonguing as part of good

technique and solid articulation.

6. Look after the instrument by

handling it safely with two hands (with

the neck strap on) and cleaning it after

rehearsals.

5. Swapping from a smaller sax such as

the alto is not easy! It requires a different embouchure and air

support.

8. Extend keen baritone saxophone players by giving them interesting parts and

experimenting by providing them with solo opportunities.

10. Consider the student’s welfare, and find alternatives to expecting a baritone saxophonist to play in a marching band. Harnesses help, but the weight can still cause damage after time.

9. In saxophone ensembles, the baritone can be liken to a cello in a string quartet as the instrument providing the important harmonic

base.