[JazzFox]

Ok, so some background:

I have been playing saxophone for 10 years now. I started on tenor and have since played every spot in a big band saxophone section. Just this past summer I finished my time at a tech-based school getting an engineering degree with a minor in music. Since I now have a strong back-up career, my plan is to go back to school and do jazz studies at a local university (a killer program by the way). I played in a big band full of engineering students my whole time getting my first degree, so I am in no means picking up my horn again. I spent the majority of my time between 1st and 2nd tenor, with a year on lead alto. My chops are pretty solid on my tenor and my alto playing might need a few good hours of practice to get back into top shape but is in no way lacking.
I didn't play bari in college, but I did in an audition-only youth big band back in high school put on by the university I plan on attending for jazz studies. I loved my time on it and definitely wouldn't mind being back on it. My only issue with playing bari is that I had to part with mine a year back, so I would have to find another one and a decent mouthpiece. This is in no means impossible and wouldn't be terribly hard for me to do.

Now, I just emailed the professor of saxophone at said university with sound clips of me on each saxophone. He replied, thanking me for the clips and telling me that I should play whichever I am most comfortable on. He mentioned that bari players are always needed and that alto might not be a bad shot if I felt confident with my playing. He did add that there are 1 bari, 1 tenor, and 2 alto spots open next fall. I do know from a friend of mine in the program that there are MANY tenor players in the school and finding a tenor player is not difficult. The audition is in the beginning of January 2012 and I am already pretty comfortable with the pieces I would have to perform.

The question:
Should I get my alto back up to speed since there are the most spots available for it or just stick to tenor since it has been my main horn for a long time now? Better yet, should I get back to work on bari, the instrument that is always seeming to lack players and that made me so happy to play 5 years ago now?

Alto: (lead alto, in the red and white jersey, Summer 2010)

Tenor: (this is an older clip from Fall '08, I hope to get a more recent recording up soon)
http://www.supload.com/listen?s=InCYSd

I am gonna work on getting a recording of me on bari tomorrow.

 

[jisley]

Play the horn you're most comfortable on for the audition. Won't do you any good to play an alternate horn and sound less than your best.

I would suggest speaking to the department chair and expressing your interest in covering as many different horns, in as many different ensembles, as they would need/like. Doesn't mean you can't focus on one horn for your major, but by showing your willingness to be flexible with their ensemble needs, it could go a long way to favoring you over a one-trick-pony (i.e., one horn only) player. It'll also keep your chops up on a variety of horns and that is very desirable re: employment.


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[NissanVintageSax]

And as a side note, lead Alto must be proficient at Soprano Sax as well (and should be on Clarinet and Flute as well, though I on the latter two myself).

Bari Sax should be able to double Bass Clarinet.

 

[bkobog]

depending on what you are embarking on:
if you have interest to master the alto, then you should take up the challenge for alto.
if you derive great joy from tenor playing, then, you should audition in tenor.
as per the inputs from John, expressing your versatility to the department is a good idea.
all the best.

 

[JazzFox]

All great advice so far. I forgot to mention, I am also very good with my doubles instruments (except for flute, so I would have to work on that). I have played lots of clarinet and even bass clarinet over the years. I think as far as which instrument I am most interested in playing, I would have to say the bari. The fond memories I have from holding down the low half of the sax section never fail to make me smile.
Thank you so much for all your input thus far.