[Gsus]

Hi all - I don't have the time to look at other example posts and see how many words I have to say, but I will keep it simple...


I am that saxophone player gets yelled at by the band teacher for playing a triple altissimo D, deafening half of the band's ears, and outplaying the percussion. Every day. (so I actually don't have an A in band). My notes are so wrong that even the school Jazz band cannot predict my "kazoos". My brain cells are so dead that I cant play better than my 7th grade self in regional scales. My style is so (nauseating) interesting that my parents think any person other than me who plays saxophone played for 27 years. Anyways- I am glad to come here to learn new tricks and tips to further annoy my band teacher.

Me: "We got our band parts today!"
Dad: "Son, what part did you play?"
Me: "All of them..."
Dad: visible confusion

So- in conclusion, am I really just trying to live life to its fullest, and stray from the ultimate life goal of 99.9% of people; to satisfy their wills and try not to change? Or will I regret posting this since it is 2 am.

 

[Reet McVouty]

So, you're in 7th grade which makes you what? 12 or 13? You seem to have a sharp intellect and a bit of comedic flair for your age so it's quite possible you may have what it takes to be a musician. Only time will tell, perhaps another 27 years or so. As for living life to the fullest that's going to be a tall order especially if you're hanging out on the internet at 2:00 AM.

 

[B Flat]

You’re just showing your lack of maturity.
This will change in time, or not.
Good thing is you’re enthusiastic.

 

[Uwe Steinmetz]

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your interest!

 

[MartinMusicMan]

When I was in school band, there was another sax player just like you. A total screw-up. Play the parts as written so the band can play the music and sound good. Learn to play in a band. If you can't or won't work with others to play in a band. you should quit or else be removed. Stop screwing around and get serious about playing music.

 

[Cjames]

You don't write like a 13 yo. I'm a little confused as to your motivation. Do you enjoy playing music, and the saxophone, or is it just a chore to you? If you enjoy music, then your attitude does display a degree of immaturity. Maybe do a little self analysis, and work out what you want from music, and what you have to offer. If you are a crap player, then with practice, you'll improve, but as I say, your post is a little confusing.

 

[Zasterz]

So, you're in 7th grade which makes you what? 12 or 13?

You don't write like a 13 yo

This is not the only interpretation. “I can’t play better than my 7th grade self in regional scales” can be something a person says years later, in high school for example, comparing themselves to their 7th grade self. (For instance: I am not as slender as my eighteen-year-old self. 😏)

 

[SHOZZA]

You sound like you could be a good Drummer! 🙈

 

[Dave Pollack]

Put a trumpet mouthpiece on your sax

 

[jazzbluescat]

Hi all - I don't have the time to look at other example posts and see how many words I have to say, but I will keep it simple...


I am that saxophone player gets yelled at by the band teacher for playing a triple altissimo D, deafening half of the band's ears, and outplaying the percussion. Every day. (so I actually don't have an A in band). My notes are so wrong that even the school Jazz band cannot predict my "kazoos". My brain cells are so dead that I cant play better than my 7th grade self in regional scales. My style is so (nauseating) interesting that my parents think any person other than me who plays saxophone played for 27 years. Anyways- I am glad to come here to learn new tricks and tips to further annoy my band teacher.

Me: "We got our band parts today!"
Dad: "Son, what part did you play?"
Me: "All of them..."
Dad: visible confusion

So- in conclusion, am I really just trying to live life to its fullest, and stray from the ultimate life goal of 99.9% of people; to satisfy their wills and try not to change? Or will I regret posting this since it is 2 am.

Thanks for a most enjoyable thread.

Anyhow, it all boils down to Respect (snd patience) Learn respect while maintaining your spirit, and you'll make it in Life, and possibly Music.

 

[click]

Tone, tone, tone.

If you really want to sound better, pick out a ballad that you like and practice playing it over and over.
Play it slowly, making every note sound right, with a full, rich tone.
Work on the volume, too, following the ppp and fff instructions for the music.
In addition, try playing with a really beautiful tone, but very very softly all the way through. This can be tricky.

If there are large intervals, runs, or other features causing trouble, isolate the trouble parts and exercise on them until the trouble goes away.

Eventually, start working on the notes as a speed exercise, playing every note as the fastest eighth note you can without making any mistake, working on getting the fingerings crisp. Try not to lose the tone even though the notes are short.

Listen to the other musicians in the band and try to figure out what they are doing in the song.

Usually a song is built up from the larger instruments playing low notes. It can be really helpful to make your part build on those foundations. There will be places where you are particularly important with the melody, or special notes that make a chord sound good.

While it is important to sound good all of the time, it is also important to know when you should be out front leading. Your band director will guide you on this.

Time on the instrument, especially mindful time, is the only way ( except for the one in a million player).

Being part of the whole band is a really cool feeling and worth the effort.

Anyway, that would be my suggestion for being happier with what comes out of the horn.

 

[Dr G]

Hi all - I don't have the time to look at other example posts and see how many words I have to say, but I will keep it simple...


I am that saxophone player gets yelled at by the band teacher for playing a triple altissimo D, deafening half of the band's ears, and outplaying the percussion. Every day. (so I actually don't have an A in band). My notes are so wrong that even the school Jazz band cannot predict my "kazoos". My brain cells are so dead that I cant play better than my 7th grade self in regional scales. My style is so (nauseating) interesting that my parents think any person other than me who plays saxophone played for 27 years. Anyways- I am glad to come here to learn new tricks and tips to further annoy my band teacher.

Me: "We got our band parts today!"
Dad: "Son, what part did you play?"
Me: "All of them..."
Dad: visible confusion

So- in conclusion, am I really just trying to live life to its fullest, and stray from the ultimate life goal of 99.9% of people; to satisfy their wills and try not to change? Or will I regret posting this since it is 2 am.

Happy New Year.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Sorry, but what is your point?

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Put a trumpet mouthpiece on your sax

It worked for Eddie Harris (well sort of)

 

[AddictedToSax]

I get it. I was the kid in marching band that played an octave higher than what was written so I could be heard over the trumpets. It pissed off the other kids around me.

If you want to get along with your teacher and the kids around you, you have to learn to work with the group. If you want the attention then get good enough that the band director gives you the solo part. I don't know if they still do challenges in school but if they do keep challenging until you get first chair and get the solos. That's when it gets fun.

 

[sopsax]

A band I gig with had a player who technically was very good, a fine improviser. However, he couldn't be bothered to attend rehearsals, & even on the bandstand he showed no interest in what his fellow players were doing. He got disinvited from the band, & he's not much missed.

On the other hand, if you're in 7th grade... those around you can cut you a little slack. You're still finding out who you are as a person!

In junior high school Band class, I used to quickly memorize my section's charts & get bored playing 'em. Then I'd trade parts with players from other sections... & get bored playing those too. When I started making up new parts, the Band teacher would catch me & give me hell. So I figured out how to improvise parts that would blend in & not get me into trouble.

50+ years later, my ability to improvise internal parts that fit in well with what other players are playing... makes them glad to join me on a bandstand.

 

[HeyJoe]

Sorry, but what is your point?

There's no point, he's a 13 yr old kid.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

There's no point, he's a 13 yr old kid.

Yeah, you have to spread out the self-loathing over your life as a sax player. You can't blow it all at once.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Self delete.

 

[Zasterz]

There's no point, he's a 13 yr old kid.

That's merely an assumption a commenter made. OP didn't say he's 13.