Alto -> Tenor ( Stan Getz )

[Vami]

Hi
I'm an Alto player ( 7 months old ) doing Under Graduation.
I'm in a Dilemna :confused: as whether goin for a Tenor is too early for me or not.
I like "Stan Getz" the most and considering the fact that he played on a Tenor
fancies me a lot and makes me Finicky about playing Tenor. Also, i like listening to Jazz with a Soft Edge on it.
Simultaneoulsy, I'm just a mere beginner on Saxophones though
I'm a neck deep Guitar Player primarily, so the music is in me.
Do you think a Cross from aLto to Tenor on the above basis is Justified for me ?
Or
Should i practise First on Alto, play Compositions on it, Love it more and then after few years switch to the Ultimate 'TENOR'.
:argue:

Humble Regards to Sax Legends

[V1812470]

I like Stan Getz's music a lot too, but I've also been playing longer to have a good, solid knowledge of my instrument. I still have much to learn, but it's enough to allow me to start to make my own decisions with what I know. I've also played for 3 years. I think that 7 monthes of experience may not be enough because if you switch now, you may have to spend some time to get used to the other instrument's intonation, embouchure, and feel, but if you are willing to take that time to switch over and feel comfortable, it shouldn't be a problem, especially if you are motivated to play. I'm actually switching to tenor for my school's jazz band only, but I'm still playing concert band and wind ensemble as the first chair alto. I hope that this bit of advice helped. Good luck on making your decision!

[JL]

If you want to play tenor, I'd say go for it right now. Why not?

And if you're getting started at the age of 7 months, you'll be a killer player by the time you reach your teens, lol.

[JASaxman]

I was thinking the same thing... :D

[Fasnachtler]

Altos aren't a pre-qualifier for a Tenor, they're just an alternative.

AFAIK the only reason to start on Alto and move up to Tenor is because some young people are just too small to play the Tenor and have to wait until they are taller. If you are already tall enough, then play Tenor!

Of course, if you are only 7 months old (lol) perhaps you should try a curved Soprano - after all, that's in Bb too! :)

Seriously, I started playing a Tenor because I liked teh sound the best. I tried three instruments in the music shop, one Alto, one Tenor, and a Clarinet. I liked the Tenor the best and am so glad I picked it. Go on, have fun!

Cheers,

Mac

[DirkW]

I vividly remember considering which band instrument to play when I was starting the sixth grade. The trumpet is small, easy to carry, only has three buttons to push, and always plays the melody. But when I imagined the music I wanted to make, it was always on the saxophone. I didn't pick the saxophone, it picked me.

If the tenor sax is what turns your key, that's what you should be playing. Period!

[markov]

It depends. If you'd like to double on both alto and tenor, you should wait until you got your technique all sorted out, or at least until you hit puberty.
If you want to play only the tenor, just get one!

[Joe Linux]

It's more a question of money. You could switch or double at any time. I think playing more registers of horns makes you a better player on each of them.

[Dentarthurdent]

I switched to tenor as primary horn after playing alto for 10 years. Tenor has been my main 'ax for nearly 5 years now and cant imagine it any other way. Stan is my hero too so I can see where you are coming from. My view is that you should focus on the instrument that you like the sound of most - it will give you more impetus to practise and you will feel more gratified.

[pat_27]

Absolutely. After playing alto for seven years I wanted a change. When I was 11, I saw Bill Clinton on TV playing his sax at some political dinner back in 95 or 96, that kicked me into being interested in saxophone in general. I decided to play alto when I started middle school and played it until my senior year in highs chool when I played Bari Sax in Jazz, marching and Concert bands.

The whole times I wanted to play tenor but couldn't get an excuse to get one.

I'm finally a year into college and am playing tenor in the Stage band here. I'm glad I got in on tenor, I'm happy now :D

I purchased a Barrington 502 soprano sax and play it nearly every day, It seems as if the more different horns I play on the side, the better I become on my main horn. :)

Go for it, try all the horns you like but do your homework before you go out and buy "any old horn"........been there done that.........more than once.

[ztephen]

If you wanna play tenor that bad sell the alto and pick up the tenor.

[Johnnymo0829]

I know stan played some alto early in his carreer. The rechordings are super hard to find, I found some on an old big band compalation called early gets I think. I love his tenor sound, but it's wild to hear him on barri with mulligan on the getz meets mulligan album and on one of his last albums he even plays soprano, the picture of him holding the soprano on the inside cover makes the cd worth having alone

[Ruediger Kramer]

try it, buy it, do it...

[Radjammin]

I got a tenor in 8th grade and have to say I loved my parents for buying it. Looking back I should have gotten a better Alto for college.

Initally for kids I would say you should play alto because of height reasons, also for competition as in smaller areas, like my school district, there were so few players the only good ones played alto. Competition is good as it drives you to practice. As far as Alto being a stepping stone to tenor? Yes and No. The size issue, alot of older players sometimes don't understand, is a big deal. I was 4 foot 8 in 8th grade, so for me Alto was in ratio to my body. I am 5 10 now (thank God for a growth spirt) But lastly it's a saxophone and they all play the same, in general, so pick the one that you connect with. Whichever one your going to practice more is the right call.

[Sax.Geek.And.Proud]

Initally for kids I would say you should play alto because of height reasons.
I disagree with the idea the the sax has to fit your height. I mean, it may help a bit, but it's not necessary. I've seen plenty of short people (my definition is loose on short, but usually about 4'8'' ish) playing bari very well. Then again, I think they were on different chairs. but I'm not sure. :D

[jacobeid]

I know stan played some alto early in his carreer. The rechordings are super hard to find, I found some on an old big band compalation called early gets I think.

I read that in a biography of Stan. Stan basically said, the gig was there, I needed money, so I took it.

[Johnnymo0829]

I read a biography of him where he even did some fireman's parades in westchester NY for the cash. Anything is game when the rent'd due.