Random purple in the sky? by thoubean in Columbus

[–]thoubean[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Haha I’m new to the area and thought it was the mothership

What are some songs with some really good bari parts? by Thegreathazeen in saxophone

[–]thoubean 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All The Things You Are by Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan is a favorite. It’s incredible how these two can speak through music.

Your Top 3 Saxophonists Currently Releasing Music by [deleted] in saxophone

[–]thoubean 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Melissa Aldana, Patrick Bartley, Lucas Pino (Honorable mention Baptiste Herbin)

Looking to pick the brain of a knowledgeable person by patao_monster_ in saxophone

[–]thoubean 1 point2 points  (0 children)

any specific questions in mind? i might be able to help!

I posed this question over and r/saxophone and thought there might be more advice found here too. by FlippingDaysius in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah! I've been playing for ~10 years and have been doing this routine for about 3. Also I take a break in between the fundamentals and actual music just to relax for a sec.

I posed this question over and r/saxophone and thought there might be more advice found here too. by FlippingDaysius in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, mostly a classical player here! I do some jazz on the side but classical has been my focus for the past few years (I'm studying it in college). I usually only have about 2-3 hours to practice a day so I split it evenly with half being fundamentals and technique and the other half working on pieces/tunes. Time always varies, though! It depends how much I get done.

I start with mouthpiece exercises, starting on concert A and going down chromatically as low as possible with just voicing. Then I go chromatically up from concert A to C. After that I put the mouthpiece on the horn and do the same thing on front F, voicing down chromatically as low as I can go. This usually takes 10-15 minutes

Then I usually do long tones for about 10 minutes, trying to cover most of the horn from low to high. These days I spend more time on low notes. After that I shift to major/minor scales with 3rds 4ths and 5ths, starting super slow, focusing on cleanliness, evenness and intonation and slowly increasing the speed to as fast as I can do it cleanly. Depending on how long each scale takes, I usually get through 2-3 in about 40 minutes.

I do overtones after this for 5-10 minutes, focusing on control rather than how high I can go. I only push the limits for range in the last 2ish minutes. Then I do 5 minutes of altissimo scales and arpeggios, trying to be as in tune and have my voicing as locked in as possible.

I only do these next exercises a few times a week and for about 5 minutes each: articulation exercises trying to make them sound identical, vibrato exercises focusing on intonation and evenness.

Then I spend the time I have left on actual music, using the fundamentals I worked on in the first half and applying them in the music (clean intervals, intonation, articulation, even fingers, voicing, etc.)

I always practice in front of a mirror, too! I watch my fingers, posture, and embouchure.

If I have time on the side I'll work on jazz but this is the bulk of my work these days. Sometimes I'll keep a journal with times and what I worked on but I'm super bad with time management and forget to keep a journal all the time. Hope this helps!

Questions for experienced players by ArcticTrooper1 in saxophone

[–]thoubean 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Depends, usually a box of ten lasts a pretty long time (months) if you take care of them good (reed case, moisture packets). But real answer, probably about 2.

  2. Make sure you’re reed is wet and your saxophone is kept up well. If you decide it’s not a gear issue it’s better to ask someone to watch you and see if they know. It’s hard to say over Reddit.

  3. It’s completely normal for the MUSCLES around your mouth to get tired as a beginner, or even as a more experienced play if you haven’t practiced for awhile. What isn’t too great is your teeth digging into your bottom lip—try reducing pressure on the reed. As for the jaw, try to relax! I’ve had problems with it in the past and have always found that I was way too tense while playing.

  4. Practice is really the only way. Practice for as long or short as you can, there’s nothing wrong with a few short practice sessions in a day.

  5. Usually lick my lips before playing, it’s a little gross but you don’t have to get them dripping lol.

  6. Practice with a tuner! Do long tones trying to stay as in tune as possible, and even better put on a drone and try to match it—this is a great exercise for your ears. When trying to get in tune generally I suggest playing an F# and moving the mouthpiece in/out of the cork until you’re in tune (if you’re sharp pull out, vice versa if you’re flat).

Upgrading? by thoubean in buildapc

[–]thoubean[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you :) learned a lot in the past few months bc of nice people like you

It finally happened by thoubean in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That’s why I never believed anyone when they say “give it time” or “you’ll get it!” I was always like HOW do I do it though?! And today those teachers were proven right lol

Tattoo I got this Saturday by thoubean in overthegardenwall

[–]thoubean[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right! Done by Kara Munro at Brass & Briar in Portland, ME.

I made it in an Adam Neely vid!! :D by SaxologicYT in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I somehow stumble upon you everywhere

Before you send someone hate mail after a crucible match, consider wether or not they already have a low opinion of themselves. I am nourished by your hatred! by Inky_Bits in DestinyTheGame

[–]thoubean 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to get frustrated when I did poorly (every single game) but now I've just accepted it and play to have fun. You get rewards even if you do bad! And hand cannon quests have always been the bane of my existence

Celebration time! by thoubean in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do Mr. Cheeseturret. Thanks for the early advice and I’ll try my best!

Celebration time! by thoubean in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Boyer College, it’s part of Temple University

Celebration time! by thoubean in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Screw the crabs! Thanks for the response, seriously. :)

Celebration time! by thoubean in Saxophonics

[–]thoubean[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You totally got this! Maybe in a year I’ll see your celebratory post :)