Producing a sound on a Saxophone
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Top teeth should rest on the mouthpiece about 3/8'' from the tip.

The upper lip is firm enough to keep the air from escaping the corners of the mouth.

The bottom lip is looser to allow for vibration of the reed.

The mouthpiece should feel comfortable in your mouth. The tone will help determine the correct amount to place the mouthpiece into the mouth.

The tenor sax mouthpiece is larger. Put a bit more of the mouthpiece into your mouth when playing the tenor.

Embouchure (mouth position) will be in the shape of an "oh" or "oo." Breathe through the corners of the mouth.

When playing a tone, say, "too."

Aim for deep, controlled breathing from the diaphragm.

 

Correct Playing Position for an Alto and/or Tenor Saxophone

The mouthpiece is positioned to fit the angle of the mouth.

Sit up straight on the edge of your chair with both feet on the floor. This posture aids in breathing from the diaphragm.

The alto, as well as the tenor sax, is played to the right side of the player. It is never held in the middle or on the lap.

Fingers are curved and placed just above the "home keys."

Wrists remain straight, elbows away from the body.

The head is upright and the neck strap is properly adjusted.

The weight of the head rests on top of the mouthpiece. (This allows for a relaxed jaw and more control of the muscles of the lower lip.)

The chin is flat and pointed.

 

Interesting Facts About the Saxophone

The saxophone was invented in 1841 by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian clarinetist.

Adolphe Sax created 14 different sizes of saxes. There were 7 for band and 7 for orchestra. The common saxophones used today are the Eb alto saxophone, the Bb soprano and Bb tenor saxophone and the Eb baritone saxophone.

Fingerings on all of the saxes are similar, making it easy to transfer from one instrument to the other.

The saxophone was originally designed to be a bridge between the brass and woodwind. Since the instrument combined a metal body and wooden reed, it blended equally well with brass instruments. Yet, it is considered to be a woodwind because it uses a reed and has the woodwind fingering.The saxophone was very popular in military bands.

Today, saxophones are played in concert and marching bands, jazz ensembles and saxophone quartets.

Saxophones are often featured as solo instruments.

from: http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~dtedeschi/saxophone.htm