ROLLOVER THE PIC. TO SEE IT IN COLOUR!
This is one part of the band room. The part where we place our bags and all that. This is also where you will start
where i will start introducing you to the different varieties our saxophone content range from. From here, as instructed,
you can click the links beside this table on your right that reads S A X OP H O N E. The other part of the band is where we practice,
most of us say we are very pampered musicians which is actually true but it is also very stressful when we don't meet the standard.
Our conductor is called Mr Brando tan , i don't really have his picture yet. IF you head for the image gallery under I , you would see
cool pictures of our band . Photography and enhancement and web designing is all done by Me. Lol yiyong. So i hope you people will appreciate.
This is mostly covering our saxopholosiphy life in the band but it does cover some band stuff. IF theres any error please inform me by
blues_fruez@hotmail.com

{Xplain...}

Why was this blog made?

Ans: To lift awareness of schedules of sectionals and extra slots of time for practice. This blog is also to bring all Xms saxes together to share what had happened or lament about something they can't get off their heart.

 

What band are we from?

Ans: Xinmin Secondary , Located in Hougang in Singapore . For more info pls go to this website - www.xinminss.moe.edu.sg

 

What medal did we attain in 2003?

Ans: Gold but now our standard is Silver

 

Which section is lousiest in the band?

Ans: Currently the saxophone section although the clarinet keep squeaking.

 

Main Band teacher's name?

Ans: Mrs Rosemary Song

 

Does your main band have a blog?

Ans: Yes. The url is - www.rubber-band.blogspot.com

 

Is saxophone hard to play?

Ans: Actually is no. Compared to brasses we , woodwinds , do not need to buzz.

 

Is Xinmin Sec. A good school?

Ans: Umm... in the sense of academic yes .

How to Begin to Play the Saxophone 
The E-flat alto saxophone and the B-flat tenor saxophone are the most common instruments in the sax family for beginners. The alto sax is a bit smaller in size and often the one chosen by younger students due to its ease of transport.
 

Steps:
1. 
Roll your lower lip slightly over your lower teeth.
 
2. 
Place 1/2 inch of the mouthpiece into your mouth, resting the reed on your lower lip. Your teeth should touch the top of the mouthpiece.
 
3. 
Close and seal the corners of your lips.
 
4. 
Press the first key using your left hand - there's no thumb on the octave key yet.
 
5. 
Blow a steady stream of air through the mouthpiece, gradually applying pressure against the reed. When the reed begins to vibrate, it will generate a sound, which is the third-line B on the treble clef.
 
6. 
Use your entire air supply while maintaining steady pressure with your diaphragm and embouchure to produce a long pleasing tone that doesn't waver in pitch.
 
7. 
Touch the reed with your tongue. Pull your tongue back and release a stream of air.
 
8. 
"Tongue" the reed like this four times in a row.
 
9. 
Close the second key with your left hand and play four tones. This note is the second-space A on the treble clef.
 
10. 
Add the third key to get the G tone on the second line of the treble clef.
 
 

Tips:
Try three notes in a row: First finger B, second finger A, then third finger G. Play them evenly, and you've played "Three Blind Mice".
 
Don't worry about mistakes. Practice daily, and your tone control will improve.
 
Use the best reeds for performances and buy a good reed container to fit into the sax case.
 
Invest in a reed trimmer.
 
 

Warnings:
Keep the saxophone from touching your hand in the channel formed between your right thumb and right index finger.
 
Be careful where you place the instrument when not playing it. If laid across the chair you sat on, the reed is easily broken. Use your mouthpiece cap.
 
Don't let anyone touch or play your instrument. Repair work is expensive.
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When to move up to a thicker reed by Jemie G.If you think your reed might be too soft for you, you should probably move a half a size up. To tell if you should move up, check how in tune you are. If you are always playing very sharp, your reed may be soft. Also, if you suddenly started haveing trouble getting out certain notes, particularly higher notes, your reed is closing up and it may be time to move up. 
 

 
Find a teacher by Mike A.Contrary to many of our distinguished contributors, I believe that finding a good teacher will save you lots of time in both the long and short run. It'll also make practicing fun, no matter how old you are.

 

Adapted from: http://www.ehow.com/how_909_begin-play-saxophone.html