Name: Stefan

Grade: 8th

Level: Symphonic Band/Jazz Band

Instrument: Baritone Saxaphone/Electric Bass

 

How long have you been playing?

3-4 yrs

 

What sparked your interest in playing this instrument?

I saw my sister doing band in elementary and it looked fun. Plus, I had seen instruments being played online like the trumpet and alto saxophone, and they also sounded really cool.

 

What is your favorite musical piece that you've played?

The Chicken or Spain

 

What type of music do you most like to play and why?

I like to play jazz simply because of how every single instrument has an important role and you can’t really rely on others. In symphonic band, it is mainly boring background for me, and I quickly lose interest, and there are a ton more people, which obviously means you can play quieter and rely on people that are better than you (even though you should never ever do that). In jazz, even if I’m playing backgrounds, they add a lot more groove to the whole piece and make it sound a whole lot better, and there’s like at max 5 people per section.

 

What is giving/gave you the most trouble while learning, and what advice would you give to others having similar difficulties?

Definitely learning how to articulate fast on the Bari sax. Considering I came from bass, it was a whole different class of an instrument. I’d suggest anyone who can’t articulate fast to just keep on practicing and gradually increase speeds every now and then. Eventually you will have done it long enough where you can articulate fast.

 

Any words of wisdom or encouragement for your peers?

Don’t be afraid to try something new out. I never regretted trying out Bari sax for the first time, and it has made my elective so much more fun.