Jack of all Sax

[Perfect Pitch]

Master of none :cry:

Have I divested too much energy trying to play SATB, and if so how best determine which to focus on? Thanks for your response and Merry Christmas

[Helen]

I sometimes struggle a bit with this as well. I started a poll question on something similar quite a long time ago.

I am definatley a large horn player. When I play soprano and alto, it doesn't seem to come as naturally as playing tenor or bari. But having said that, to me, the answer to your question is found in developing a tonal concept for each horn. Approach each horn as if it were your primary instrument, and work the long tones, technical aspects, etc. Have a clear concept of the sound you are trying to achieve. Once you have it, the trick is finding the time to keep your tone & skills up. Approaching each horn you play like it is your primary horn, prevents you from sounding like a tenor playing doubling. Or an alto player doubling, etc. etc.

For me, I tend to let the alto and soprano slide the most, because most of the work I do is on tenor and bari. I do play sop & alto at least once or twice weekly, but I tend to be a bit sloppier on those technically. Whenever I have to play sop. or alto, I usually spend some "make-up" time building my tone & skills up again. I just don't have 6+ hours a day to keep all of them at the same level.

I feel like I've wandered all around your question, but maybe not answered it quite as directly as you might have liked. I hope my comments have been somewhat useful. Maybe someone else can say it more succinctly.

[Subtone Sam]

Play the horn you enjoy playing the most but tenor will get you through most gigs.

[tubbycub]

I feel that the technical proficiency achieved on one horn, especially the alto, can be passed on to other saxes. So if your goal is just to improve your finger dexterity, practicising on one will help you on ther horns.

However, if you are focusing on tone and other horn-specific techniques (altissimo, subtoning etc) where embouchure and air support are most important, you will need to practice each of the horns.