alto saxophone
Midrange woodwind instrument
The alto saxophone is a mid-range member of the saxophone family, pitched in E-flat and smaller than the tenor.
It's the most common saxophone for beginners and dominates in concert bands and classical settings, though it appears in jazz as well.
Charlie Parker made the alto the voice of bebop: She plays alto sax in the school band.
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- cool jazzRelaxed 1950s improvisational music
- fusionJoining into unity
hard bop · free jazz · modal · soloing · standards · syncopation · groove · gig
Wind player's mouth position
- fingeringNote-playing hand technique
- articulationClear vocal expression
- vibratoOscillating pitch effect
- breath controlManaging exhalation deliberately
tonguing · voicing · overtones · scales · arpeggios · sight-reading · transposition · intonation
One who speaks officially
- reedVibrating sliver for woodwinds
- ligatureCord for binding
- neckHead-body junction
- bellHollow resonating instrument
keys · pads · Yamaha · case · swab · neck strap · thumb rest · lacquer
Distinct divided part
- soliSingle-performer passages
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- blendCombine into mixture
- unisonSimultaneous identical action
duet · quartet · big band · concert band · marching band · pit orchestra · horn section · doubling
Solo-and-orchestra composition
- sonataMulti-movement instrumental composition
- etudeInstrumental practice composition
- recitalSolo musical performance
- conservatoryGlass-enclosed plant room
chamber music · transcription · legit · concert · repertoire · commissioned work
improvisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- cool jazzRelaxed 1950s improvisational music
fusion · hard bop · free jazz · modal · soloing · standards · syncopation · groove · gig · combo
embouchure
Wind player's mouth position
- fingeringNote-playing hand technique
- articulationClear vocal expression
- vibratoOscillating pitch effect
breath control · tonguing · voicing · overtones · scales · arpeggios · sight-reading · transposition · intonation · dynamics
mouthpiece
One who speaks officially
bell · keys · pads · Yamaha · case · swab · neck strap · thumb rest · lacquer · engraving
section
Distinct divided part
unison · duet · quartet · big band · concert band · marching band · pit orchestra · horn section · doubling · chair
concerto
Solo-and-orchestra composition
- sonataMulti-movement instrumental composition
- etudeInstrumental practice composition
- recitalSolo musical performance
conservatory · chamber music · transcription · legit · concert · repertoire · commissioned work
alto saxophonebaritone saxophone
Mid-low reed instrument
tenor saxophone · bass clarinet · trombone · bassoon · contrabass
alto, saxophone, contralto, saxophonist, altos, saxophones, saxophonists, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone