Saxophone
articulation
Correct articulation on wind instruments is more a result of a consistent
air stream than it is of a strong tongue muscle.
When one articulates on a saxophone in the classical style, only the tongue moves, not the throat, jaw or embouchure. Make sure
to keep air forward and fast.
Following is a series of different articulations used by Jean-Marie
Londeix.
Counting
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According
to Jan LaRue rhythm is the "structure of musical movement, the control of
time-elapse. Though the most
fundamental of musical elements, rhythm is the most mysterious, elusive to
define because our sense of movement comes from so many different sources." Basic knowledge of rhythm is essential for any musical
performance. Discussions of rhythm
and rhythmic analysis can be endless and complex.
Here I will just give the basics and implore students to use and teach
rhythm syllables.
For
students who have rhythmic problems, simply drawing vertical lines on a
chalkboard, one for each beat, helps more than a metronome.
At first the teacher will need to be a visual metronome, marking over
each of the beats repeatedly. This
spatial orientation is easier for some students than trying to keep a beat
(taught as physical movement) while staying still.
Another suggestion is to lightly touch the student in time with the beat.
The tactile sensation helps.
Following is a
counting exercise (better exercises to come). The arches are slurs, not ties.
Students, be able to count & say articulation.
Sightreading
-
Do
not sightread music which you intend to prepare. Music to be prepared should be
internalized first so there is no arbitrary notes, articulations, tone, etc.
-
In
my method, sightreading is “preparation in fast motion”. This has 2 implications: 1. focus on a preparation parameter,
2. choosing the most appropriate parameter/level for optimal gain.
Focus on:
Counting, as beginning step
Articulation (counting embedded)
Grouping/phrasing (counting/artic assumed),
technical spots
Repeated rhythm
Prominent interval
Contour (scale, skip)
Phrase from long note to long note
-
Good
sightreading music:
Marches
(any part, eg oboe)
Band Literature, see Lit.
Lacour 100 Dechiffrages
Lacour 28 modes de Messiaen
Paquot
12 Melodic Etudes
Berkowitz
New Approach to Sight Singing, or any sightsinging book
Karg-Elert
Sonata
Some
people prefer duets for sightreading (Voxman)
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