Wanting to join high school band?

Question

okay. i play the violin and piano, but i want to join my high school band as a freshman. I would like to play the alto sax and i think i could teach myself how to play, with a few private lessons and good instrucional books. I am very musically intelligent and i really want to be in band because i love music. During middle school i was in orchestra but the high school i am going to does not offer orchestra.

what do you think?????

p.s school starts in less than about 2 months... do i have enough time to learn?!

how long does it take to learn the sax?

was it hard for you?

Answer 1

yes you should definatly do it! you will have a hard time starting out becuase band instruments are much different than orcheastra instruments. liek on the violin if you play a note well you play it but in band instruments squeak, which might be what youll have trouble with. also another thing , di everyone start in middle school like in 6th or 7th grade? if so you might have a hard time catching up, definitly if your 3 years behind. i suggest finding out what books they played out of in middle school. also try the alto sax before you choose it. when i was in band we all had to try the instruments before we played them. i really wanted to play the saxaphone but i couldnt make a sound. but i played all the brass instruments fine. oh and one last thing, if you do it and like after one year or semester give up just cuz its hard dont. continue for like another year then see what happens

Answer 2

Dude, you should totally learn how to play the sax......im a senior and band pres. and ive been playing the Alto sax for 8 years and I really dont think that I would have showed up at school if it wasnt for band. Its an awsome expeience.....you get to travel, meet new people, it looks outstanding on a college reume, and you get to spend a few hours a day doing something you love instead of math....uugghhh.   stick with dude,

                        peace out

Answer 3

The alto is the easiest instrument to play badly. However, you can do it (especially since you already have a background in music).If you practice everyday, you'll get better(private lessons make everything so much easier). You'll need to learn the scales, fingerings, and most of all, long tones. Practice long tones every day, it makes your tone sound much better, so when you mess up, at least it will sound good (=p).

Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't worry about not being able to play. Go on ahead and join. Go to a music rental shop and rent a alto sax. and get a book on playing sax. Or get lessons if you can. Your band director can teach you, thats the whole reason why their there.

It took me a long time to learn alto sax but I had a bad teacher, i hated playing it, so I quit playing it. But this year I'm going to try to pick up and teach myself in time for jazz band

Answer 5

Hi Henriette.  :))  What drive you have?!!!  That is wonderful.  It is nice to read all the answers from people who are cheering you on and encouraging you to get started playing the saxophone....   But now... reality will set in and you are going to have to push it to the max to be ready for band in 2 months.    You have to be realistic, though.   How good were you on violin or piano in 2 months?  in 6 months? in 1 year?  Understand that you are going to be playing high school music (probably marching music) with students that have been playing from 3 to 6 years.   In the schools where I live...  the Houston area...  all of the incoming 9th graders go into 9th grade band.  If they prove themselves and are outstanding,  they may be moved to the more advanced band  for the 2nd semester.    You DO have an advantage because you have a good understanding of music in general...  you can read and know rhythms.   I will absolutely advise you get that private lesson teacher.... like yesterday!!     If possible, set up two lessons a week.   If you truly have the determination to get accepted into the band in the fall,  you are absolutely going to have to dedicate your entire summer to learning to play the sax.   Oh.. and you do need an instrument.  (If you are going to have to buy one,  my suggestion is for a Yamaha YAS 23 as they are the best built and easiest to sound good on.)  New a Yamaha 23 is around $1300.00 - If you look on CraigsList in your city... I bet you can find a used one in ready to play condition for a bargain price.  Stay with the Yamaha.... the band director will be pleased with that instrument.    For one of the best beginner books that I have ever taught from....  check your music store for Rubank Elementary Method for Alto Sax book.   Also,  many times the music store has a list of teachers for the different instruments.  Call around to all in your city... you will get the name of a teacher... or Craigslist.org again... under Services - Lessons Tutoring.    I am hoping you can work this out.  Band is Fun and offers some very nice playing opportunities.   You can do it..... IF you work hard.  Thanks for reading.

Answer 6

I really think that you should get involved in band !!! It is one of the greatest experiences that you could have !!! I definatly think you can do this in 2 months !! You totally should do it !! I think since you are already musical intelligent and if you really love music you can push yourself to do it ! I am so glad I did !! It is amazing to be in band!!!