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Saxophone Neck

May 13th, 2011 admin No comments

Saxophone Neck
Saxophone Neck

How To Select A Saxophone

The saxophone is the most popular and widely heard solo instrument of the wind family. Saxophones are played in many types of ensembles, including jazz, concert, wind ensemble and in marching bands.

The saxophone family includes the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Most new saxophone learners start with the alto saxophone. Reason being that a lot of classical saxophone books are written for the alto saxophone. In addition, the alto demands less from the player in terms of the air volume. The smaller key scale also fits very well in a young learner's hands. Finally, the alto saxophone is relatively lower priced so makes for a good starter instrument for a new learner.

Now that you have decided on which type of saxophone to buy, you will need to note the following points in selecting your saxophone:

1. Lacquer or plated saxophone

Saxophones are typically finished in clear lacquer. However in recent years, there is a choice of different colored lacquers. The color of the lacquer does not actually change the sound quality. However, plating of the instrument does affect tonal quality. Plated saxophone give out a brighter tone compared to lacquered ones.

2. New or pre-owned

Depending on your budget, you may want to consider renting a saxophone or buying one. If purchasing a second hand instrument, do check it for scratches and dents. Also examine the condition of the pads.

If selecting a new instrument, you may find that there is a wide offering in terms of pricing. Typically the more expensive instruments have details such as hand engraving on the bell, hand hammered keys and so forth.

3. Accessories for your saxophone

It is necessary for you to get a Neck Strap for your saxophone. In addition, you will need other accessories including reed, mouthpiece, mouthpiece pouch and a swab. The swab is an essential cleaning tool and you should clean your instrument after every use. Other accessories you require include a music stand, books and couple of good CDs.

Finally, you need to look for an experienced and qualified saxophone teacher to teach you the ropes of playing the instrument. Once you pick up this skill, you will enjoy many hours of playing the saxophone for life.

About the Author

At Stradivari Strings, we take pride in offering you personalized services in selecting your instrument. Whether you are looking to buy your first saxophone, or sourcing for a qualified saxophone teacher, we will be able to assist you. Stradivari Strings, also stock a wide range of other instruments including violin bows, cello, cello bow, guitar, flute and ukulele.

I got a cleaning tool stuck in my saxophone, how do I get it out?

The cleaning tool that has a weight on one end and a cloth on the other end got stuck in the neck piece of my saxophone, the bent part at the top. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should get it out? I have a performance tomorrow and I need my saxophone!
Please please help! This is an emergency!!!
It's an alto saxophone, and it's not stuck in the bell it's stuck in the neck piece at the top.

Ahhh, I've done that! haha
I ended up forcing the crap out of it and bent the little high pitch/spit leaking thing on the top of the neck.
The 2nd time I did it, lol, I got one of those fuzzy "pipe" cleaners (but designed for the sax) and forced it out.
By the way, that cloth with the weight is NOT designed for the small also neck. lol

Saxophone Neck
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Traditional Ethiopian Music and Ethiopian Culture

Ethiopia has a very rich and diverse music history. The various tribes and ethnic groups of Ethiopia have their own distinct music culture and tradition. The Tigrayans to the north have this smooth, circular dance routine culminated with shoulder and neck movement. The Amharas at the center have dance style dominated by upper body and neck movement. The Oromos to the center and south have this jumping style and full body dance routine. The Gurages have an acrobatic dance that requires high level of arm, leg and body coordination.

Traditional Ethiopian music instruments include the masingo, a one-stringed violin like instrument that is played with a bow; the krar, a six-stringed lyre, played with fingers or a plectrum; the washint, a flute made from bamboo; and various drums. There are three types of drums that are used in different occasions: the negarit (kettledrum), played with sticks, the kebero, played with hands, and the atamo, tapped with the fingers or palm. Other instruments include the begena, a huge, multi-stringed lyre often referred to as the Harp of David; the tsinatsil or sistrum, which is used in churches; the meleket, a long trumpet without fingerholes, and the embilta, a large, one-note flute used on ceremonial occasions.

In addition to the above traditional music instruments, Ethiopian music also includes various types of modern music instruments that are used by bands playing Ethiopian jazz, pop, and the like. Modern Ethiopian music instruments include the guitar, percussion, violin, saxophone, mandolin, clarinet, accordion, etc.

The masinqo is one of the most popular traditional Ethiopian music instruments used throughout Ethiopia. It is one of the fixtures in Ethiopian culture. Although it looks simple, the masinqo can, in the hands of an expert musician, produces a wide variety of melodies. It is often played by wandering minstrels as well as professional musicians, particularly at eating houses and local bars called “Bunna Bet” or “Azmari Bet”. The word Azmari is derived from the Geez word Zemmari, which means “one who sings”. Today, the concept mainly applies to establishments where professional masinqo players and the female singers that accompany them play.

When it comes to Azmari performances, lyrics can be largely improvised or sung with the art of double meaning called Kinie or Semmna Werq (meaning, the literal and the hidden messages). The audience is not supposed to take the lyrics literally – they are challenged to listen carefully to get the “golden” sense. The Azmaris may praise individuals in the audience through their songs to uplift their mood. This favor in Ethiopian culture is usually responded in kind by awarding the performer cash – by pasting a bill on the forehead, or stashing it in the performer’s shirt.

Azmaris also accept verses thrown at them by members of the audience and skillfully incorporate them into their music. In traditional Ethiopian music and Ethiopian culture, the skill at improvisation by the Azmari is as important as his/her vocal performance, or his/her skill at playing the masinqo. With such improvised lyrics, one may appreciate, denounce, advice, teach, entertain, and much more.

In recent years, Azmari Ethiopian music performances have even spread to other parts of the world outside Ethiopia. One can find “Azmari Betoch” in some parts of Europe and North America where there are significant pockets of Ethiopian immigrants residing, including in cities such as Washington DC and Los Angeles in the USA, and London in UK. Although these establishments are not exactly the traditional Ethiopian “Azmari Bet” variety, they offer many of the services their counterparts in Ethiopia provide, including music using the masinqo.

Resources:

For more on  Ethiopian Music and Ethiopian Culture please visit Ezega Community.

About the Author

Ezega.com


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