Stupid Saxophone

[Mr1337Duck]

I've been playing in band for 5 years, a good chunk of my school years. And I've finally started thinking about quiting. It's honestly not fun for me. I'm okay, but not great, I've got sectionals in two days, and I've got to cram because I figured they'd be in late July.


Sax is nowhere near as fun to play as guitar. Playing Sax is punishment to me, it's a chore. Playing guitar is fun, because nobody makes me do it, there's no demand that I be perfect. Anyone else here play in marching band or jazz band or whatever, and have these same thoughts with their instrument?

[Zodiac]

No idea, I dont play one. What's this "ET" that you meantion in your sig?

[Onizuka]

I've been playing sax for about 6 years....and i've come to the conclusion that how well you sound has a LOT to do with the sax..and the mouthpiece. Once you get a new professional sax in your hands, you feel fucking empowered. Once you squeal up to high B, you feel empowered. If it's not fun, don't play it. Guitar IMO is not as fun to play for me....but I started on sax. I also play clarinet pretty well, but its too *searches for word* limited, I don't feel as flexible.

If your not having fun, quit. I'll stick with it, music is the ONLY thing I'm good at.

[UncleDynamite]

Sex is nowhere near as fun to play as guitar.

What the hell? Either your girlfriend is terrible in bed, or you have a... shortcoming.

Playing Sex is punishment to me, it's a chore.

Ahh, so your girlfriend is a dominatrix then. Well, you're not alone. Rough sex isn't for everyone, so hopefully she'll understand if you come out and say you don't like it.

Playing guitar is fun, because nobody makes me do it, there's no demand that I be perfect.

In all honesty, if she's disappointed with your performance in bed, that's pretty mean of her. At the very least, she should understand that being limited in size, you can't offer her perfect pleasure. I would suggest you talk things out with her, maybe you two can work out your differences. :p

-----

In all seriousness, I too played saxophone and I too dropped Jazz band. It's not because I didn't like the instruments, but I just didn't have fun playing in my schools' group.

[Mr1337Duck]

:rofl:


And we get High Bs all the time in our band. Maybe I'll look into a new mouthpiece. Any specific kind? Are there actually brands for this stuff?


*Imagines an ad, advertising mouthpieces that all look exactly the same.*





By the way, ET is Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory.

[Squeeky]

Band Geek!

[Mr1337Duck]

Teh Masturbator!!1

[Onizuka]

Maybe I'll look into a new mouthpiece. Any specific kind? Are there actually brands for this stuff?




uh, YES!!!11

...and they dont all look alike. You've been playing for 5 years....

ah well, doesn't seem your too serious...just quit :p

[Rayder]

I play the sax in my band. Your mouthpiece makes a world of difference, as well as your reed. Of course, you shouldn't go too high on a reed unless you're good, cuz then you'll just start sucking.

Some information on the sax - http://nm.essortment.com/saxophonealtob_rgym.htm

[Mr1337Duck]

Okay, I'll list the problem, you guys tell me what you think it is, me or equipment.


When I play, it sounds all choked, like the air keeps getting interrupted, breath is really forced, etc.

From what you say, it sounds like mouthpiece stuff, but can anyone confirm?

[Onizuka]

Okay, I'll list the problem, you guys tell me what you think it is, me or equipment.


When I play, it sounds all choked, like the air keeps getting interrupted, breath is really forced, etc.

From what you say, it sounds like mouthpiece stuff, but can anyone confirm?

First, suck the spit out. (I know, but it has to be done). People..don't seem to do this as much as they should. Make sure you have a continuous sustained breath, not to hard that enters the horn...keep your inner mouth open, your jaw relaxed (not too relaxed). Dont stutter, make sure you air is the same throughout, constant and not varying in pressure throughout the breath.

It's all common sense stuff, but its so hard to master.

[Spee]

You see, im ludicrosly talented in my instrument. It just so happens Im a lazy bitch that hates being told what to do and how, so I never practice.

But yeah, when I try, I tear shit up with the bass instrument of metallic dijerydoo(sp, probably) doom.

[321]

I played the volin in 4th grade :lol: but I hated it so I didn't play it in 5th anymore.

[Rayder]

Okay, I'll list the problem, you guys tell me what you think it is, me or equipment.


When I play, it sounds all choked, like the air keeps getting interrupted, breath is really forced, etc.

From what you say, it sounds like mouthpiece stuff, but can anyone confirm?
Suck on your reed for a few before playing. Your tongue shouldn't be near the opening of the mouthpiece unless you're tonguing. Take a swab and clean the inside of the neck as well as the mouthpiece, you also should take the big wiry thing with the soft stuff on it and shove it down the body like you're supposed to.

[QuakCow]

i used to play the clarinet, but that was 5th grade, so i don't remember a damn thing

and your problem sound like it has something to do with the mouthpeice, but i wouldn't know anything for sure

[Corrosion]

What's this "ET" that you meantion in your sig?
I would guess it's Enemy Territory.

[1024]

I have the same attitude. Theres a list of people begging for me to join the drumline at my highschool, but it's just not for me. I too don't like the demand that you play something perfect or you do everything just right, or do things a certain way. It's too confining for the way i play.

That is why i prefer playing in a band with no conductor. Not neccesarily a small band, as i'd love to be in a band such as GY!BE.

[Rayder]

But don't you play the things you play a certain way? Don't you make it sound the way you want it to sound? Damn hypocrits.

[TekDragon]

Go ahead and quit. You'll have more fun now.

When you mature a bit more and get a wife, however, I guarantee you'll find yourself wishing you had stuck with it.

[Infernus]

I have the same attitude. Theres a list of people begging for me to join the drumline at my highschool, but it's just not for me. I too don't like the demand that you play something perfect or you do everything just right, or do things a certain way. It's too confining for the way i play.

That is why i prefer playing in a band with no conductor. Not neccesarily a small band, as i'd love to be in a band such as GY!BE.


Quoted for truth... people in the band at my school are all dickheads anyway... I'm just fine letting my skills go to waste, its better then being forced to use them... now if you'll excuse, I shall continue my search for a new set...

[1024]

But don't you play the things you play a certain way? Don't you make it sound the way you want it to sound? Damn hypocrits.Don't call me a hypocrite when you obviously don't understand. What i meant by what i said, is that when you play a "certain way," you are following whatever is on the sheet music, instead of just letting yourself go and letting your own creativity take action.

And was the hyprocrite comment really neccesary? Do you really think i'm stupid or arrogant enough to contradict myself in the field that almost everyone here at PSU knows i am very practiced in? Please, chill out and refrain from the insults.

[Infernus]

But don't you play the things you play a certain way? Don't you make it sound the way you want it to sound? Damn hypocrits.

He means the way he plays as in style and creativity factor I believe... no creativity is involved if your reading music off of a sheet and the style will almost always be the same... In essence you don't make any of the sounds... they've already been recorded if you will onto the paper, and as such, need to be played that way... I think thats what he's getting at...