The Saxophone Family

For 4th-5th grade general musicAndrea Draime

The Saxophone Family

The Soprano Saxophone

• Key of Bb• Smallest in saxophone

family• Most commonly used in

jazz settings

David Liebman

• Known for his soprano sax playing

• (b. 1946)• Concentrates on jazz

playing• Nominated for Grammy

The Alto Saxophone

• Key of Eb• Most commonly

recognized in family• Used in both jazz and

concert band settings

Charlie Parker

• Known for his alto sax playing

• (1920-1955)• Said to be the greatest

sax player of all time

The Tenor Saxophone

• Key of Bb• Sounds lower than the

alto• Used in both jazz and

concert band settings

Michael Brecker

• Known for his Tenor sax playing

• (b. 1949)• Grammy-Award winner

The Baritone Saxophone

• Key of Eb• Sounds lower then the

tenor• Used in both jazz and

concert band settings

Gerry Mulligan

• Known for his Bari sax playing

• (1927-1996)• Concentrated on jazz• Played with big names

like Miles Davis

The Bass Saxophone

• Key of BBb• Second largest in the

saxophone family• Not commonly used

Contra-bass Saxophone

• The largest in the saxophone family

• Extremely rare• Extremely expensive• Lowest sound in the sax

family• (It is the big one in the

middle)

Classical Saxophone

• Sax line: – 2 altos

– 1 tenor

– 1 bari

• “Desenclos” by: The Formeau Sax Quartet

Jazz Saxophone

• Sax line:– 2 altos

– 2 tenors

– 1 bari

• “Guest Check” by: The University of Akron Jazz Ensemble

The Saxophone Family

– Soprano

– Alto

– Tenor

– Baritone

– Bass

– Contra-bass