Does a tenor require much more breath support than an alto?

[WriterMom]

Does a tenor sax require a LOT more breath support than an alto sax or a clarinet? Is the correct embouchure difficult to learn after playing alto and clarinet?

Would it typically be easier to get into a community band playing a tenor or an alto?

I'm leaning toward upgrading my alto in the near future (possibly buying a vintage sax), but have always been intrigued by the tenor ...

[Helen]

I wouldn't say that it requires a lot more air than an alto, but it definately requires more. Also, the bigger the horn you play, the more obvious it will be if you don't have adequate breath support. You might find that it will be time to revisit those breathing exercises you were taught when you started playing. Since you already play alto, the embouchure won't be that big an adjustment. As far as getting into community bands goes, I couldn't tell you...But there are usually more altos kicking around than tenors because there are just more alto players. (Cheaper to buy, and most people start out playing alto.) But don't community bands generally take anyone who wants to play?

Why not go to a music store and try one or two tenors they have to see what you think?

[Gandalfe]

Community band needs change every year--sometimes they need altos and sometimes they need tenors. You should consider playing the instrument you like the best. If you are playing alto now and trying to master it, picking up the tenor will increase the complexity for you.

In a concert band, you will normally find a 1st and 2d part for alto sax but only one part for tenors. So there will not be a need for as many tenors as alto. But if the band already has nine altos, it would be nice to be able to play tenor.

If you have the alto down reasonably well, learning to play the tenor will increase your chances of finding gigs. This summer, I had more requests to sub on tenor than on alto. Alto is my first love and a prefer it to all other instruments. But I need the playing time to improve and to keep me interested in practicing.

[WriterMom]

Thanks for the responses!

I suppose I should have clarified ... I would only be a beginner on the tenor.

I played the alto sax and clarinet throughout my school years, took a break for many years, and then picked them up again a couple of years ago. Breath support isn't an issue for me at all on the clarinet, and is something I've worked on with my alto since picking it up again (so it's not really much of an issue now with the alto, either). I'm just wondering how different it is to play a tenor.

I have another question. In the past, when I've considered buying an instrument from a local store and not a web-based one, I've been able to take my own mouthpiece into the store to use when testing instruments (for example, I could take my own clarinet mouthpiece/reed/ligature in to test clarinets). If I want to play test a tenor, I'm assuming that I will need to purchase a reed, but will I also need to have my own mouthpiece? (I would feel a bit dumb asking this question at the music store, so figured I'd ask it here.)

I will probably upgrade my alto instead, but I wouldn't mind at least trying a tenor ... just in case I'd fall in love with it and prefer it to the alto. :)

[Helen]

Music stores usually have mouth pieces that you can use. (Since they usually sell them.) If the horn you are trying is new, there is likely a mouthpiece with it. Even used ones often have a mouthpiece, especially if it's a student model horn you're looking at.

As far as reeds go, you might have to buy one. But some music stores will also give you a reed for the play test, and not charge you for it. It just depends what the store policy is, and even who the sales clerk is who is helping you.

[JL]

I will probably upgrade my alto instead, but I wouldn't mind at least trying a tenor ... just in case I'd fall in love with it and prefer it to the alto. :)

Martha, you may well indeed. I started on alto many years ago and after a couple of years on the alto, I tried a tenor and that was it for me. I still play alto on occasion, but tenor is the one that resonates for me. You may or may not have the same reaction. In any case, don't be afraid to try a tenor, especially if you have been "intrigued" by it.

[Gandalfe]

When you say

I'm just wondering how different it is to play a tenor.

you do know the fingering for notes is the same on all saxes don't you? So learning the tenor is all about embouchure, breath support, and feel.

[WriterMom]

Yep, I know the fingering is the same! I'm not worried about it ... I can move from clarinet to alto sax to soprano sax pretty easily, so I figure tenor won't be a problem in that regard. :)

I'm just curious about how different it feels to play tenor (regarding embouchure and breath support).

Guess I'd better visit our local music store and try one out.