Being a good section leader

[Jacob aka collegefresh]

Hello all! I'm going into my third year as being section leader of the saxophone section in wind symphony at Wayne State University. My question is how to approach making sure my people know their parts. I don't have a problem learning stuff, but the person that is sitting second chair to me may need some help, but I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable about it. The girl is a freshman, she doesn't come from a very good musical background, so how should I go about it. She's in a very low theory class as well, so their are things she doesn't know, that she's needs to know about. What should I do? Ask her if she's needs help, or just tell her that we need to work on some stuff. The tenor and baritone sax players don't have a problem with their stuff, I just don't want my band director getting in my *** or getting mad at her. Thanks for any advice.

[JfW]

So's second chair in a section of two?

I'd try to be subtle about it and try to get her interested in improving herself.

[Jacob aka collegefresh]

Last time I checked, if I'm 1st chair, and I play 1st part, then the person playing 2nd part, can in my mind be second chair in a section of two alto's.

[Tim Price]

Here's some pointers-it might help-good luck :)

How the saxophones deal in the section is solely the responsibility of the section leader, the 1st. alto player.In a professional situation he or she is expected to be a faultless sight reader, with a strong tone and technical excellence. In a student band this is obviously not always the case but the player should aspire to those capabilities. A good lead alto player will rehearse the section through tricky passages and make decisions on phrasing, articulation and dynamics.
Stylistic considerations too, such as the use of vibrato are ultimately his responsibility. Flexibility and the ability to play in all styles is paramount.

The other players in the saxophone section must learn to blend with the leader and listen carefully to him at all times. They must also resist the urge to play it "their way". To do so will ruin the overall cohesive sound of the section.

Remember at all times- This requires very careful listening. five saxophones must sound as one. Perfectly in tune with spot on phrasing. Nothing shows up the faults of a section more than unison playing, with maybe the exception of long notes played at a slow tempo. Let's break down the requirements for good unison playing.

1) Tuning. It is not enough to tune up at the beginning of the session and forget about it from then on. Conditions are constantly changing. Fine tuning to those around us is often required. This may mean a sudden, very slight adjustment of the embouchure to bring ourselves back in tune with the section.

2) Phrasing. Careful attention to the lead alto's personal style is vital. Listen to the way he phrases the melody. Every player will impose a slightly different degree of swing. Listen and adjust quickly. Remember - five saxes sounding very much together is the vibe here.

3) Vibrato? Where unison passages occur, usually none. Five players all using vibrato on the same note could have horrendous consequences! However a very experienced section who work regularly together will be able to match their vibrato.

These aspects plus listening to the great big bands sax sections will
be a great education as well.Start with Basie w/Marshall Royal. 8)
I love to play in sections when its right...if I can help you at all feel free to E mail me and I'll do my best to be of assistance.

This type playing is a dying art-Thank god I sat aside of John LaPorta and Jimmy Mosher, Charlie Mariano and Andy McGhee as a kid in Boston learning the ropes.THAT WAS A SCHOOL UNTO ITSELF! Man, I was lucky.
All the best to you Jacob-keep swinging :!: