What do you do?

[xia]

Well when you play what do you do. I mean dont you get bored of practicing? Are you in a band? Do you buy new sheet music and try it out? I am just wondering because summer is approaching and i want to know how to have fun with my saxophone.

[BrianL]

Ah yes, what to do with your saxophone other than practicing your band stuff. Of course, we all practice and have fun playing in different ways, here's what I do:

I'm a big Paul Desmond fan. I love his songs, so over the summer after sixth grade I went and bought the "Paul Desmond Collection" folio book and learned how to play Take Five (Which is something you might enjoy, by the way). So if you hear a song you like, try and find the transcription and learn how to play it.

I also enjoy just sort of doodling around and jotting down various music ideas that come to my mind. Go the the local music store and buy a book full of blank notation paper. On the same idea, try using the book and your ears to transcribe songs you like.

Of course, this doesnt get you out of practicing your methods and your scales. You still should do that on a regular basis, it will make you a better musician. Knowing your scales will make it far far easier for you to learn how to improvise jazz solos. I'd recommend picking up a copy of Rubank's Advanced Alto Saxophone method. Try creating a practice program for yourself, spend an easy 15 minutes a day working on the excercises. After your done with that, reward yourself by playing something fun.

In any case, have fun, happy playing!

BrianL

[Draconistarum]

I just make up stuff. I play a different instrument in band so that frees me to improvise on it without feeling guilty that I should be practicing other stuff.