In 1590 French churchman Guillaume of Auxerre invented the serpent, a weird-looking wind instrument about eight feet long. Its tubing was made in a shape suggesting a squirming snake which had been struck with a stick. For about two hundred years it flourished as an important bass instrument, but now it is chiefly known for its many and varied progeny.

Among these are the ophicleides, a family of six; the saxhorns, a family of eight; the saxtrombas, a family of eight; the tubas, a family of nine; and the muchmaligned saxophones, which have now grown to a family of nine.

Too much credit cannot be given Guillaume for his invention, because the serpent is little more than a bass member of the large family of cornettos, or zinken. These instruments put in an appearance in Europe in the fourteenth century.

In England they were called cornettos and were built in three keys. The little treble cornetto in F was only about eighteen inches long and had a thin, weak tone. Another was the cornetto in C, about two feet long. The third was the great cornetto in G, approximately three feet long. In Germany these same instruments were known as zinken and were built in several keys, one of them being a high soprano in D which was only a little over a foot long.

It is not definitely known how many different members there were in this original family of instruments, but there undoubtedly were quite a number.

The cornettos and zinken were the “black sheep” among musical instruments. Not only were they cheaply made, but they were noted for their poverty of musical qualities.

Constructed of wood and covered with leather, their tone was colorless, coarse and windy. Anyone with a pocketknife, a pot of glue and a thin skiver of leather could make one of these instruments. Two sides of the tube were whittled out and stuck together with glue. Then the tube was covered with leather to strengthen the thin wood.

After this, holes were bored in the side of the tube and a cupshaped mouthpiece was turned out of a piece of wood. The instrument was then complete. Making these ancient instruments was something like making the cigar-box fiddle or the slippery-elm whistle of today.

Nevertheless, these instruments became the most popular in Europe. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries they were heard in military bands and church choirs and were rated as the most important wind instruments of their time.

Their number and variety multiplied. They swept over Europe somewhat as their famous offspring, the saxophones, later swept over America in the 19205. Guillaume, no doubt, heard them from morning to night, not only outside his church but also in his own choir loft.

Apparently Guillaume shared the enthusiasm of his contemporaries for these instruments. He decided the world would be further blessed if a larger and better zinke or cornetto were invented, and accordingly he brought forth the serpent.

Originally it was a conical tube about eight feet long with six finger holes and was played with a wooden cup-shaped mouthpiece. Later, keys were added and the mouthpipe and mouthpiece were made of metal.

Its pitch was two octaves below Middle C or thereabout, and it furnished a deep voice for the military bands and for the church choirs. It found its place in musical circles much as might a bass singer in a college glee club which was without adequate bass voices.

The only important wind bass at the time was the bassoon, and its reedy quality of tone did not seem to strike theTancy of the populace. The serpent, therefore, was looked upon as a much-needed addition to wind instruments, a great boon to music.

Fifty years before Guillaume invented the serpent, another churchman, Afranio of Ferrara, Italy, had invented the shape of the bassoon. He built it so its tubing was doubled back upon itself in parallel lines, which shape earned for the instrument the name of fagotto, or bundle of fagots.

Guillaume apparently did not think well of his brother churchman’s design, for the serpent was curved into a fantastic shape which resembled a reptile. It has seemed odd to some people that Guillaume, a divine, would make an instrument in the shape of the serpent, symbol of evil.

Possibly it did not occur to Guillaume that he was giving the shape of a serpent to his instrument. Possibly he took his design from the fifteenth-century painting, “Angel with the Trumpet.” In this painting, the trumpet is shown bent in the shape of a reversed letter S.

Perhaps Guillaume was simply trying to carry this idea into the bass instrument and evolved his serpent shape. In any event, he produced an instrument whose shape has caused wonder and amazement for over three hundred years.

About the Author:

Malcolm Blake has spent years of his life devoted to studying music online and off. He is currently working on projects concerning learning to play the guitar quickly and how to learn guitar chords easily.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Serpent and Its Children

Saxophone.com Video Series II A History of Houli

If one is looking at purchasing a used  saxophone, two presumptions or considerations may arise: first, that the person purchasing must get the item which will give him the best value for his money; second, that the person is using it for playing music.  The importance of the second point is that saxophone, as a musical instrument, comes in different kinds.  The difference lies in the music and pitch being produced by each type of instrument, sizes and shapes, as well as considerations which are related to the skill level of the player of the instrument.  

Therefore, to be able to make the best decision as to which saxophone best suits any player of the instrument,  it is important that one has a working knowledge of the different types of saxophones as well as the corresponding differences that distinguish one from the other.  In doing this, one can effectively discriminate and choose the saxophone that best suits him.

There are generally four types of saxophones available in the market today.  The first type is called the soprano saxophone.  The soprano saxophone is tuned in the key of B flat (or Bb).  It has the highest tune or pitch among all the other types of saxophones.  Consequently, playing the instrument requires some skill because the pitch, being high, is more difficult to manipulate and manage.  Therefore, most of the players of this type of saxophone are already adept at playing the instrument and are what can properly be considered as professional saxophonists.  

The second type is the Alto Saxophone which plays at the key of E flat (or Eb).  The position of this type of saxophone’s bell allows its player to hear more of the sound produced by the instrument than by the other saxophones played.  Most pieces composed for practice are also tuned in the key of Alto Saxophone.  Consequently, it is considered as most befitting beginners and anyone whose skill level in saxophone is elementary.  

The third type would be the tenor saxophone.  It is larger than the alto saxophone and the sound its produces is closer in range to the human voice.  This is also the best type of instrument for playing jazz and some rock.  

The fourth type of saxophone is the baritone saxophone.  It has the lowest range among the other types of saxophone and is usually used in the bass section in soul music or tunes.  It is also the biggest and heaviest among all the other types of saxophone.  

All of these types of saxophones are best in their own respect.  One just needs to identify precisely the use of the saxophone to be played or purchased.  So if one is a beginner, it is strongly suggested that he starts playing the alto saxophone first.  It also depends upon the sound that the player is most interested in.  If one prefers to play jazz tunes, then the tenor saxophone is recommended.  But if one is more into bass range sound, richer and deeper tone then the baritone is the best choice.

One may also take into account the size and the weight of the saxophone which will affect its manageability and overall comfort in playing the instrument. There are, of course, no hard fast rules applicable in determining the best type of saxophone.  The person has to weigh in different factors in the process of trying top get the saxophone which is just right for him.

About the Author:

Looking for all the different Types of Saxophones? You can find it for the lowest price ever offered by visiting http://www.bargainsaxophones.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Types of Saxophones: Which Saxophone is Right For Me

Tenor Sax for sale

What is the best moutpiece and reed for a tenor sax? It needs to be loud, and it is used for soloing.?

This is such a personal question that it really doesn’t have a real answer. Each person finds something works better with something else. I use a Eugene Rousseau mouthpiece for classical, and some unknown brand mouthpiece for jazz.

The reed will depend on the opening of the mouthpiece. THe facing of the mouthpiece (affects the gap between reed and mouthpiece tip) will determine what area of reed strength you will use (large facing gap will need a softer reed, small facing gap will need a thicker reed). As to reed choice (e.g. Rico, Hemke, Vandoren etc) it is per the players choice. Most people consider Vandoren’s to be the best reeds, but that is still just an opinion.

As for volume on a mouthpiece, that needs to be generated by you, not by the mouthpiece. You need to learn to support and put as much volume as possible.

If you are really serious about mouthpiece shopping, go and try as many as possible. I just bought a new classical mouthpiece for my alto. Over the course of about a month, I tried out over 20 mouthpieces.
Once you have decided and bought the mouthpiece you like and gets the tone you want (the most important part as volume can be added to any mouthpiece), then you can determine which reed strength is good, and of course which brand of reed you like.

Angel Eyes on Tenor Sax

Can someone PLEASE tell me what profit % a music store makes on a box of saxophone and clarinet reeds?

I’m trying to find the cost of reeds from the factory. The manufacturers will not tell me. I know what they sell for so I can back into cost if I can get a profit per box that most music stores receive.

Of course the factory won’t tell you their cost on manufacturing. Most music stores (and most retail establishments in general) do a 100% markup on the items. or example, if they buy a product for $5, they charge $10.

tk saxophone factory

what price should i sell these items for in a yard sale?

a playstation 2 -good condition

it depend on how far you are getting trouble from these things.yard sale is done mostly when you plane to sell at throw away prices.so you are intelligent enough. you put the price of your choice on friday and then on the left out sell with 20% less on saturday and then on the left out 50% on sunday

Tenor Sax for Sale

Saxophones are conical-bored transposing steel or brass instruments. A member of the wood wind family of musical instruments, the saxophone is played with the help of a single reed mouthpiece, much like a clarinet. The saxophone was created by its inventor Adolphe Sax back in 1841.

One of the most common of all musical instruments used in modern music today is the saxophone. Used in almost every genre including jazz, rhythm and blues, hip hop, and other forms of contemporary music. There are many different kinds of saxophones, including the alto saxophone and the tenor saxophone.

The alto saxophone is a medium sized saxophone that is in the key of E flat. Well known as one of the most commonly played types of saxophones, the alto sax is the perfect started saxophone. The tenor saxophone is a type of saxophone that is much bigger than the traditional alto saxophone. Tuned to the key of B flat, the tenor saxophone also uses a much larger mouth piece.

There are many web sites online that have saxophones for sale too at reasonable and affordable prices. Some of the better brands and manufacturers to look for include Cannonball, P. Mauriat, Selmer, Yamaha, Unison, Leblanc/Vito, Keilwerth, Yanagisawa and Buffet Crampon. Be careful though when buying used saxophones, as theft is a common occurrence in bars and clubs where jazz bands are frequent. Tell tale signs of thieves selling stolen used instruments include filed off serial numbers, extremely cheap prices, and the seller’s ignorance of the used saxophone he or she is selling. For more information and tips On Saxophones visit the website, http://saxophones.in

About the Author:

Freelance Web designer and Artist

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Guide To Saxophones

Amstel Quartet (Saxophones) live in Amsterdam

Niche marketing is all about making the most possible money with the least effort. This article will help you find a strong niche market so you can get into profit as quickly as possible.

The first thing you’ll need as a niche marketer who is destined to make your fortune is a hot market of eager prospects. Notice I didn’t say anything about an amazing product.

Naturally you’ll want a great product, but that comes later. The first order of business is to identify a group of people with a very specific want or need.

This is called finding your niche market. And it takes only a small amount of focus and effort to achieve.

Your first step is to list a few general areas you’d like to explore. Start with things you like, know something about, or simply find interesting.

For instance, do you enjoy camping, playing the saxophone, the latest and greatest DVD releases, or fixing up old cars? Make a list of anywhere from 10 to 25 general areas you want to explore.

Once you have a basic idea of the kind of market you might want to explore, you’re ready to find some numbers and data to back up your initial idea. Thanks to the invention of keyword research tools, it’s actually quite easy to figure out what people are looking for online.

All keyword research tools work from the same basic interface. This is a form where you enter a word or group of words and click a submit button.

The keyword tool then finds data on how many times the terms were queried at sites like Google over the past 1 to 30 days. Good keyword tools will also come up with a list of terms similar to the keywords you entered, and this of course will lead you to ideas you may not have even considered before.

Your goal with basic keyword research is simply to get a better idea of what people are looking for relative to your initial list of concepts. You may have to spend some time brainstorming or looking into the suggested terms that come up during your research before you really hit on anything solid.

As an example, let’s say you know something about remodeling kitchens. You might start your keyword research with terms like “kitchen remodel”.

The tool you are using could indicate people are doing a good deal of searching for terms like “kitchen remodel under $1,000″ or “remodel kitchen cabinets” or “do it yourself kitchen remodel”. As you begin to sift through more and more specific data you will see an emerging pattern and come up with a more refined idea of what people are looking for in terms of information about remodeling their kitchens.

Ultimately, you’ll want to make a list of the more popular search terms. And you’ll want to go to your favorite search engine and do your own direct searches on these exact terms.

The results pages will tell you whether or not a substantial amount of competition currently exists in these areas. By finding out what information and services currently exist you’ll be able to determine where you can fit into things; i.e. you’ll get an idea of where your potential niche might be.

You can also browse sites like Ebay, Amazon, and Buy.com to get an idea of what people are currently spending money on, relative to your area of focus. And you can browse popular blogs and forums to discover what Internet users are saying about the current marketplace.

In particular look for questions being asked. If you can identify a few core questions being posed in a variety of places you will be well on your way to fidning a solid niche market.

It’s beyond the scope of this article to go into complete detail about the research process, but just by following the steps above you’ll be able to target a potentially profitable niche market. Once you understand what people are looking for, all that remains is to figure out how you can offer these people what they want and/or need.

About the Author:

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Niche Marketing Basics: How to Find a Solid Niche Market

Saxophone Service and Maintenance with Kent Winking and Sam Bass Music

Now imagine yourself at your wedding reception and that same 3-D brilliance comes alive with the music.  You are now entering the world of 11H Entertainment and their highly acclaimed INFUSION XPERIENCE where the Music You Know and Love Comes to Life!TM

Music is hugely important to a person’s soul.  Furthermore, the great musical artists, whose rhythms and songs have moved us through the years, are the life vibrations that uplift us.  So, why not keep the original artists and their sound?  Often, bands will crucify an original soundtrack because they simply aren’t Alicia Keys or Andrea Bocelli.  The masterminds behind 11H instinctively knew this.  So they set about finding two incredibly talented musicians who could complement the original sounds of the great artists with the full 3-D effect: a range of percussion and wind instruments that create the ‘live’ music feel while retaining the brilliance of the original sound track.  That marked the launch of their unique cutting-edge fusion of familiar soundtracks with live music – a sound that was so powerful that the entertainment industry took note and agreed that 11H had taken the concept to a whole new level.

The result – an overnight success with accolades from top event planners and five-star hotels pouring in.  The creative accompaniment of 11H’s two top-level professional musicians, Katisse and Ricky, was the key ingredient to success.  Katisse and Ricky are able to improvise a sophisticated unique twist to the music – a cocktail that is shaken – not stirred – with infectious high energy.

11H’s music is immensely versatile – an important ingredient for weddings because there’s usually a wide array of guests at the celebration.  There are no limits to music genres as they flow seamlessly from the top 40 dance hits to sexy, sassy Latin salsas to disco, jazz or classic rock.  Furthermore, Emcee Steven and D.J. Jason are able to read the energy of the guests and match the music to it, which ultimately creates an emotional connection that will have your guests remembering your wedding as one of the top 3 events they’ve been to in their lifetime.

When you consider how music makes or breaks a wedding, the value of 11H’s presence is incalculable.  Steven focuses entirely on the couple – whose special day it is – and his contribution to the event’s success is his ability to get the guests on their feet and dancing.  If it’s ‘mild’ that they want, he’ll provide that for them, and if it’s wild that they want, let the fun crescendo!  D.J. Jason is inspired by the joy of the occasion and takes his responsibility of being a part of the biggest day of a couple’s life with exceptional skill and dedication.

The bridal couple and their guests walk away after indulging in the musical cocktail 11H mixes for them – blissfully aware of how the music transported the occasion from happy to surreal.  The memories will last with them forever.

Every bride wants to be able to say that their day was truly unforgettable.  Contact an 11H representative now and you will be on your way to infusing that dream into reality.

Featured Editorial: Your Wedding Day Magazine

By Diana Lyle

About the Author:

Steven Muchnij is a performance improvement specialist, award winning entertainment producer, master emcee and consultant to 100s of companies. He has over 25 years of experience in creating unforgettable events that continually inspire and excite guests, clients and contributes to businesses increasing their profits. He attributes his success to his ability to create “moments of connection”. His latest creations are Zingo Casino, which is part game show/part casino and “The Infusion Xperience”, which is the ultimate balance between A-list Musicians, DJ and Emcee. His gift to create “moments of connection” has afforded him the pleasure of working with 1000s of clients over the years such as Pepsi, Intel, Intuit, Ford Motor Company, Mindy Weiss, Jill LaFleur and receiving the City of Glendale’s Mayor’s Commendation Award for their 100 Year Celebration. Whether he is providing his services for weddings, pre Emmy parties, National Championship Galas, corporate events, no one escapes his innate talent and artistry for creating powerful moments that will be remembered for a lifetime. Steven lives in sunny Southern California and provides his services locally and nationally.

For further information visit:
http://www.11hentertainment.com/blog/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Next Generation of Wedding Entertainment Comes Alive with 3-D Brilliance

BRITAINS GOT TALENT 2009 JULIAN SMITH SAXAPHONE PLAYER-West Side Story’s “Somewhere

Graduations, a child’s birthday party, or any party, need certain elements before they can be deemed successful. Good food. Good people. And good tunes. How can you assure a popping party with these three cornerstones? Catering. Cool friends.Totally free mp3 music downloads.

Mp3 downloads are not, and were never meant to be, just for the kids with their rock music and dancing. By signing up for music downloads it doesn’t take a ton of time and energy to come up with a stellar party mix. By deciding what atmosphere is required for the perfect party, choosing the music will be easy.

A Child’s Song

Having a party for a child is a touchy issue. More conservative parents might not appreciate hearing a Black Eyed Peas song anymore than they would a dirty word. But the song “Going Gone” by the group is worth mentioning.

The best party songs for children are usually by the most popular artists. As singers and groups get older and start raising a family, they become more aware of “family” songs. Aside from the Black Eyed Peas, other artists have put out family-centric songs.

•    Ziggy Marley: “Family Time”

•    Dave Matthews: “Puff the Magic Dragon” (live)

•    Israel Kamakawiwo ole: “Over the Rainbow (What a Wonderful World)”

Without going into too much detail, popular artists who use their talent to show a softer, more human side is appealing to adults. Most have grown weary of Teletubbies, the Wiggles, and Barney songs every day, and crave something a bit more intellectual than a creepy purple dinosaur.

Free mp3 downloads of rare songs can be found by simply typing in the song’s name and searching artist covers of it. This is by far the best way to find new music. Covers of a song by different artists, especially if they’re acoustic, can satisfy both a demanding child, and a frazzled parent.

Pomp and Circumstance

It seems with graduation parties far more effort is done by the parents than the graduates themselves. Graduations I’ve been to have included live bands, rides, catered meals, even an 18-hole golf course. Should you be in the possession of billions of dollars you can throw at your children, I hear Green Day plays sweet-16 parties as well.

For people who have about $9 to spend, making a party mix is ideal for making the mood right. As people start to loosen up, there may even be some dancing involved. Mp3 downloads can fit any graduates taste. Do they like classic rock or alternative? Rap, hip-hop, soul? If they had to choose, would they want Jay-Z or James Taylor?

The right music is important, so be sure you put some thought into your decision. Consider jazz or ambient tunes if the music will only be in the background. American standards and pop songs are perfect for sing-a-longs and dancing. And, obviously, dance music would be a pretty necessary ingredient for dancing.

My Dinner with Andre

For quite nights in, or small dinner parties, loud rock music tends to strain the atmosphere. For my money, Coleman Hawkins’ mellow saxophone or Miles Davis’ soothing, cool trumpet makes anything go down easier. From the millions of free mp3 downloads available, the best night music includes:

•    The Birth of Cool Miles Davis

•    The Hawk Files Coleman Hawkins

•    Anything by Jack Johnson

•    “The Coffee Shop LP” by Landon Pigg

Your party doesn’t have to be great, but why shouldn’t it? Take a little break from making salmon puffs and check out some totally free mp3 downloads that will make your party a party, and not an obligation.

About the Author:

BearShare’s Premium subscription offers totally free mp3 music downloads that cater to constantly evolving tastes. Whether you’re just turning seven, or are middle-aged, any party’s zip is enhanced with a little music. At Bearshare.com , they offer a massive 20 million plus songs to pick from. Very impressive.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Social Butterfly Makes A Mix

How to Play the Sax : Saxophone Warm-Up Routines

The saxophone is a wonderful instrument that adds depth and variety to many pieces of music. It is a woodwind instrument and it uses a single reed attached to its mouthpiece. The reed vibrates as the air passes through it to allowing the saxophone to produce its great sound.

In the early 1800′s, Adolphe Sax noticed that there was a bit of a gap between the brass and woodwind sections of the orchestra. The gap was produced because of the relatively quiet sounds produced by the woodwinds and the lack of versatility of pitch range among the brass instruments. Therefore, he developed the saxophone which gave strength of voice to the woodwinds and flexibility to the brass. He developed the instrument in 1841 and actually developed two different groups of the instruments. Between the sopranino saxophone and the contrabass saxophone, the one group of these instruments could span the entire range offered by a piano. Many of these are transposing instruments which lend a whole different set of abilities to the saxophones.

The patent that was given to Mr. Sax in 1846 expired in 1866. After the patent expired, numerous other musicians and instrument makers adjusted and added to Mr. Sax’s original invention until it has evolved into the smooth handling instrument we have today. The original saxophone keys were very basic and simple but that made some of the passages difficult to play because of the way the fingering worked on the keys of the saxophone. Therefore, those improvements have added quality and simplicity to the instrument allowing saxophonists to be able to play difficult passages of music with relative ease.

The timbre of the saxophone, while originally intended as an orchestral instrument, lends itself, however, to many different types of music. Because of its intended and achieved musical versatility, the sax is a great instrument for jazz and blues music as well as rock and roll and big band music. Its size also makes it very easy for instrumentalists in marching bands to handle. The military band personnel play for many different functions and ceremonies including military funerals, welcoming dignitaries, swearing in of various political leaders, etc. This requires the versatility to be able to play those different types of music. The saxophone family of instruments actually has a “military band family” of saxophones such as the Subcontrabass saxophone, the baritone saxophone all the way to the sopranino saxophone. Many of these are used in orchestral pieces and particularly jazz pieces. Famous instrumentalists such as Kenny G have albums that feature his ability to play several different instruments in the saxophone family including the soprano sax primarily but also the alto and tenor sax, as well.

Students in grade school begin to learn to play the saxophone in about the fourth or fifth grades when they join the band at school. Because of size issues, most learn to play the alto sax because it is the right size for their fingers and their stature. The soprano saxophone, though much lighter, is considered a solo instrument and is more expensive that either the also or tenor sax. It is therefore not offered by most schools. However, alto saxophones and some tenor saxophones are can be purchased relatively inexpensively so many schools have both available. Once a student has learned to play the alto or tenor saxophone, it is usually fairly simple to move between the instruments in the saxophone family provided you understand the theory of transposition instruments and how that functions between the kinds of saxophones available.

If you want a smooth sounding instrument that lends itself to many different musical styles, you will not go wrong in learning to play the saxophone. Start with the alto or tenor sax, learn the notes and the way to hold and play the instrument. From there, you will be able to move to other types of saxophones, should you desire to do so. As it is, when you learn to play the sax, you will have an ability that will wow your friends and give you great pleasure at being able to pick up and play some of your favorite orchestral, jazz, or blues tunes anytime you wish.

About the Author:

Marketing professional working for FindSavings. Find
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Saxophone Family of Instruments

Swollen reed on saxophone mouthpiece