Sax chicks?

[TempestFLiGHT]

I'm a sophmore in high school, and I'm the only girl in my section (saxes obviously...). I was wondering if anybody else is like that!

Everybody dubbed me "sax chick" because it was like they never seen a girl play the sax before... XD

[John Robinson]

How about Candy Dulfer? And check out Sue Terry's book Practice Like the Pros. Totally equal opportunity there... Enjoy you sax...

[saxophone_volume1]

actually, i was in that exact same situation for 3 years straight, and man it was great. I actually liked being the only girl, i felt special.

so i was also dubbed sax chick

[tubbycub]

Sorry for being a saxist/sexist but I feel that the sax is a MAN's horn :wink:

[Harri Rautiainen]

How about Candy Dulfer? And check out Sue Terry's book Practice Like the Pros. Totally equal opportunity there... Enjoy you sax...
Sue Terry's SOTW column The Secret of a Good Sound:
http://www.saxontheweb.net/Price/SecretOfGoodSound.html
(It is published in /Price/ directory because Tim introduced her to the SOTW.)

Sue's book, "Practice Like the Pros" is available in Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0825619300/ref=nosim/saxontheweb/
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0825619300/ref%3Dnosim/saxontheweb-21/

[Hurling Frootmig]

When I was a freshman in High School many years ago the first two players in our section were females (I sat third). We had three women in our section that year out of 8 or 10 players.

[captorquewrench]

we had a couple of guys in jr high who started on sax (an alto & a tenor) but they quickly got left in the dust. most of the to years I played in school we were all female. In HS my last year one there was one freshman guy who played alto.

[JL]

There are some well-know female sax players (Candy Dulfer, etc.), but one of the best sax players I ever heard was a woman who played in a blues band that I heard a few years ago. Unknown, like most of us, but awesome player. One thing I like about music is that it doesn't matter who is playing; it's the sound that counts. I'm speaking REAL music now, not the fluff that "sells." Go for it sax chick!!

[Morry]

There are any number of sax chicks that can kick my butt when it comes to playing, and I give them their due, just like some guy. Man, go listen to Maddie Duran, and see if it doesn't make you want to do some serious shedding. I'd kill to have her fluidity.

[kcp]

I go the States on several occasions each year and I get to see tons of marching bands. I find that there are lots of girls in there, espescially in the saxophone sections.

BTW, my band has 4 sax players, 3 out of which are ladies :)

[TempestFLiGHT]

Sorry for being a saxist/sexist but I feel that the sax is a MAN's horn :wink:

A MAN's horn, huh?
All the men in my saxtion (sax section.. haha) think it's saxy/sexy for a girl to play the sax ^_~

[pfox]

Some guys just can't help but blow their own horn.

[silverghost]

Our Bari player is a girl. . .

[Amy]

I don't know if it's just because I'm in England, but there seem to be hardly ANY male musicians in any of the bands that I play in. In concert band, of our twenty strong clarinet section, there are just three males. In jazz band I play saxophone and there are five of us(small band), all girls. If a boy decides to pick up a musical instrument, which is very rarely, it is usually the guitar or occasionally drums.

[SteveWolfe]

I have a good female friend that plays the meanest bass trombone you ever heard, and she's just a skinny lil' thing. Plays in big bands in the DC Metro area. She is also a music education major that plays electric bass and tenor bone. Go figure....

[gary]

TempestFLiGHT- In the big band I play in there are three "saxchicks". You're not alone.

Don't know what she's doing now, but Beverly Dalke played the heck out of Bari. She played in the previously all-male North Texas One O'clock Band. That must've been an experience for her!

Barbara Thompson in England played with the otherwise-all male United Jazz and Rock Ensemble. Regarding women sax players in general, Christine Jensen from Canada is excellent, Jane Bunnett also, I think from Canada; Tineke Postma from the Netherlands is a wonderful player.

Regardless of your sex, glad to have you in the frat.. , er- , brotherhoo... , er - , in the family. Have fun in band :wink:

[Dounia]

Tempest,
My hs band's alto section was 1/3 female. I was section leader for 3 years...despite my gender. All the guys hated it. heh. good luck, and kick some gender-neutral butt!

[Pale Blue Eyes]

Funny...I've found a lot more female sax players in my school bands than male. Last year, we had a six strong alto section, with four girls and two boys. Our tenor player was also a girl. This year in marching band, I think it's split about evenly; can't remember the number. The tenors are also split evenly out of four. If our band marched baris, we'd have a girl and a boy marching bari.

[soulsax]

Chicks are neat, so are saxophones. I wished I knew more sax chicks! Hummm, Mindy Abair's cute, and she can play very well too :roll:

[shmuelyosef]

A couple years ago the big band in my daughter's (she plasy alto) high school had 3 of 5 saxophones of the female persuasion. The lead trombone in my big band is female...she brings us all cookies and sparkly pencils (yes, we are all adults, but we can have fun too!)

[tubbycub]

There is only one alto woman in my section of 5 in a male dominated band and she is playing at pppp all the time. God knows if she is really playing or in actual fact, miming :shock:

[Dr G]

male dominated band

Maybe that is the key - she feels uncomfortable in your section and is unable to play to her full potential. I, too, have felt awkward in some sections where some members feel that they have the right to push people around - whether their skills and abilities can back it up or not . Of course, I'm only a little guy (6'4" tall and almost 200 lbm) and don't care to get confrontational in musical situations. 8)

[Durand]

How about Laura Dreyer? she's good. Check out some of her tracks at:
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/195/laura_dreyer.html

[tubbycub]

Dr G, you may be right but the woman is not a sweet and soft spoken person. She is a tomboy!!!

[Wailin']

Here's another :lol:
http://www.angellachristie.com/indexx.html

[Dr G]

Dr G, you may be right but the woman is not a sweet and soft spoken person. She is a tomboy!!!

Great! Then we can put aside the issue of whether the player is male or female and look at the situation as to whether the person is just a weak player. There are enough poor or beginner players that this doesn't have to be a surprise. Were you a commanding presence on the saxophone in your early years? :)

[tubbycub]

Well Dr G, this person is supposed to be a more experienced player as she loudly claimed that she had been playing for almost 20 years!!! How would you justify a person's playing ability with such a long track record?

As far as I can remember, I wasn't a soft player when I started out 8 years ago with absolutely no music background at all. The only times I remembered playing softly was when I was not sure of the parts as I was not used to reading then.

[Dounia]

Trust me, a person's gender has nothing to do with playing loud or soft. I played loudest in hs marching band b/c I was the best and knew it. Who knows why she plays soft? but the example of one woman does not speak for all of us. Nor does the example of even 10 men in my hs band speak for all men.

[tubbycub]

It is absolutely true that gender does not directly determine a person's playing. Perhaps I just couldn't stand that woman as she is a loudmouth and talks too much :evil: . By the way, I have seen guys who play like big girls' blouses :roll:

So, lets put a stop to this battle of the sexes/saxes thingy, shall we?

[Kenfen]

Just wanted to mention my old college friend, Mindi Abair. She's got a great sound and plays great. She's got a new record out....

http://www.mindiabair.com

Regards,

Kenfen

[soultwist]

Sorry for being a saxist/sexist but I feel that the sax is a MAN's horn :wink:

So why are you playing one then...

[tubbycub]

Sorry for being a saxist/sexist but I feel that the sax is a MAN's horn :wink:

So why are you playing one then...

That's because I am a MAN, you dumb a55 :roll:

[jazzbluescat]

:lol:

You guys.....

[cbjazz]

I'm a sophmore in high school, and I'm the only girl in my section (saxes obviously...). I was wondering if anybody else is like that!

Everybody dubbed me "sax chick" because it was like they never seen a girl play the sax before... XD
That sounds like a unique situation in your band. But, there are a lot of ladies who are professional sax players out there and they are great musicians too. Example: Check out Erica Lindsay [ http://www.EricaLindsay.com ] - excellent saxophonist, flute player and composer... So, stay with it!

Peace, Cb

[ProfessorZeek]

if they're good at it, they should play it.

playing horn is one of the beautiful things in life where you're either good or not. it's not like in work where women may face a glass ceiling or other issues. if they rock, then nobody should put them down. i think it's great for women to think outside of the box and play sax.

remember bernadette peters in "The Jerk"? how can you not like girls that play sax??

or did she play trumpet??

[Perfect Pitch]

I like chicks :Rant2:

[Audrey]

yeah, in my school I'm the only female sax player out of all, SATB. I don't mind it lol I'm first chair too. Audrey

[Adam-]

Last year I studied classical sax in The Hague, and actually, there were about 6 females, and 2 males (myself included).... maybe that's just something of classical sax....

[saxgirl9]

hey - i was the only chick sax player at my school too. Since there are fewer of us, we are more rare and therefore more valuable. Plus we have an advantage over guys because arts are turning into a more image based field as much as we hate to admit it, and if you do it right, you can use that to your advantage.

However, I have found that there are disadvantages - I've found that guys tend to disclude you because just because we are girls, and a lot of guys prejudge us that we aren't going to be that good because we are girls.

So, we just have to prove them all wrong because we can play just as good as the boys.

[resom7fk]

yeah there r very few at my school also. last year i think there was 3 in all SATB. and this year there is one other alto altho she is the only alto now as i play bari.
i dunno, its kinda wierd cuss my director is a male saxophone player and he seems to dislike the rest of them. altho i agree that they dont try very hard to have good tone quality.

[barimachine]

Our Bari player is a girl. . .
ive noticed a TON of bari girl players
some are hot... ;)
but anyway whats with that

[jabcool52]

I've noticed the same thing. 2/4 bari sax players that I have seen are girls.

[JASaxman]

During my High School Years, I had the pleasure of leading a sax section made up of 6 women, and 3 guys. It is true...there is something sexy about a woman playing the sax. And lucky for me.... our band was..... well...... I guess you could say morals were a foreign word to us... :twisted:

...god I miss those days...

[larry]

Those of you lucky enough to live in New England should definately check out Myanna! (http://www.myanna.com/) - She also is one of the key players in The Love Dogs (http://www.thelovedogs.com/) - what a great screamin' kickin' rocker she is! Takes no prisoners. :shock:

IMHO, gender's got nuthin' to do with nuthin' - it's all about your talent, your drive, and the clarity and honesty of your personality!

[BATMAN]

Our second alto player is a girl, and she is killin. Big sound, and a lot of Cannonball Adderly in her playing.

And she's a small, petite little girl. And cute too, LOL.

Most amazingly, she is a flute performance major first, and not a saxophone player originally (much the same way I am *really* a classical clarinet major, though that's changed quite a bit the last few years...)

http://www.msu.edu/macujalo/~sounds/grand.mp3

This is a clip of grand central where she is playing Alto.

The rhythm section pretty much drops the ball and I am left out trying to figure out my way, but the form is tight on her solo.


Not all girls playing sax are just for show.....

[dirty]

Everybody dubbed me "sax chick" because it was like they never seen a girl play the sax before... XD I have to say, as nicknames go, you could do MUCH worse.

[rhyssaxfan]

hey,

When i was in grade 9 I was and still am in the seniour big band, and there were three chick saxophinists. On Alto, tenor and bari. It was just me and the first tenor out of the guys. Then the next two years (grade 10 and 11) there were two girls. Two completely new girls I might add. this year (im in grade 12 now) we only have one girl on tenor in big band. in concert band theres one on Alto two on tenor and one on bari. I reckon Girl sax players a cool. Girl who usually play sax are different from other girls.

very alluring

[ClariBariGal]

In our stage band, out sax section of 2 altos 2 tenors and me honking it up on the bari was all chicks. It was awesome!
Although something i found even cooler is that another band im in has an all-girl trombone section and only 1 guy on trumpet...
GIRL POWER!

[saxgirl9]

When I was in high school, there were only two girls on sax - myself and another alto player.

In our jazz band there were four girls -myself on sax, the piano player, the drummer, and a trumpet player.

There never seems to be very many female musicians...

[Chris S]

In our jazz band there were four girls -myself on sax, the piano player, the drummer, and a trumpet player.

A drummer?! I think in my entire life I've met less than a dozen femal drummers (I *have* met some female percussionists, and one of my favorite percussionists is a woman - Evelyn Glennie, but there's a difference, IMHO, between a drummer and a percussionist).

Chris S

[gary]

I play in a university big band that, at present, has me and four women...and not a one I'd refuse either! I hate it! :twisted:


"Water, water everwhere, but not a drop to drink."
....Rime of the Ancient Mariner

[themusicalone]

I'm a sophmore in high school, and I'm the only girl in my section (saxes obviously...). I was wondering if anybody else is like that!


Me too! Then again, we only have three altos. But still.

[Tissot]

I personally think it's abusing my eyes when I see:

1. A Female player plays a sax ( especially a Tenor, or even a Baritone). That just doesn't look good....
2. A Male does ballet dance . That just doesn't look good either......

I always believe there are certain things only for certain amount of people.

[Saxmusiclover]

hey,

When i was in grade 9 I was and still am in the seniour big band, and there were three chick saxophinists. On Alto, tenor and bari. It was just me and the first tenor out of the guys. Then the next two years (grade 10 and 11) there were two girls. Two completely new girls I might add. this year (im in grade 12 now) we only have one girl on tenor in big band. in concert band theres one on Alto two on tenor and one on bari. I reckon Girl sax players a cool. Girl who usually play sax are different from other girls.

very alluring

I agree but in what way (are they different froim othe girls)?

[Saxmusiclover]

I personally think it's abusing my eyes when I see:

1. A Female player plays a sax ( especially a Tenor, or even a Baritone). That just doesn't look good....


I don't see anything wrong with this. In fact it can be beautifiul especially if she plays well.
I've been with our choir for 10 years and during that time I've been trying to get some of the girls to take up an instrument but none are interested. My wife began taking piano lessons eight months. So there's hope.

[Brendan Muse]

"Water, water everwhere, but not a drop to drink."
....Rime of the Ancient Mariner

You have excellent taste in poetry, my friend. One for the ladies might be "Alone, alone, all, all alone, alone on a wide, wide sea."

Wow. I'm such a nerd.

[Insert excellent segway sound here]

...Which is exactly why the only two female sax players I've met don't like me.

[saxyclarinet]

My HS jazz band had (man, it's weird referring to HS in the past tense) an eight-person sax section my senior year. We had 3 males: one bari, one tenor, one alto. ;) The only male-dominated sections were rhythm (all boys) and trumpets (4 boys, 3 girls). In the concert bands, it was pretty equal-opportunity.

[Razzy]

My high school's jazz band sax section had five saxes, three of which were female. I was on 1st tenor with a guy on lead alto (we would sometimes switch chairs). We were the better players of the section but I think it just had to do with taking the music more seriously, studying with solid teachers, and the sax being our first instrument. The 2nd alto was a clarinet player first, nothing special, and the 2nd tenor was a flute player first, also nothing special but both were decent players on each instrument. The bari player, though... she was a HOUSE. Not the greatest player but the sound was fantastic. She studied with my teacher also.

Really it wouldn't have made a difference to me if they were guys. Only problem I ever had was the bitchy 2nd alto player. Whooa man. If that were a guy I would've knocked him out :D

[sax_appeal]

I've just finished my first semester at the conservatorium (today, actually), and I'm the only guy who plays classical sax, all the others are girls.

[Usegaw]

Usually, the classical saxophonists I meet are girls, or homosexual guys. Any1 know a homosexual jazz saxophonist? I wonder if his style would be affected...

[Razzy]

I've just finished my first semester at the conservatorium (today, actually), and I'm the only guy who plays classical sax, all the others are girls.


Well, you've got some good odds my friend! Your forum name reflects your situation :D

[Usegaw]

Dang! You reply fast! Lol... That was like... 2 seconds...

[Razzy]

I was replying to sax appeal, and then added the quoted section after I noticed your post made its way in between, causing some confusion :)

[Usegaw]

Ya... I noticed... lol... still, you do reply fast, keep it up!

[Tissot]

Usually, the classical saxophonists I meet are girls, or homosexual guys. Any1 know a homosexual jazz saxophonist? I wonder if his style would be affected...

The first suspect that I'd guess would be , Mr. Kenny G :D

[Usegaw]

Lol! But one would argue: Is Mr. Kenny G a jazz saxohponist? I think he is more pop oriented.

[Razzy]

Ruh-roh! I've seen more than 10 threads go bad once G came into the picture... let's conveniently take it down another road :) I don't think gender preference will affect anybody's playing really. We all experience the same types of feelings, passions, woes, etc. so I don't see how it would make any sort of difference.

[KSQ]

I don't think gender preference will affect anybody's playing really. We all experience the same types of feelings, passions, woes, etc. so I don't see how it would make any sort of difference.
The voice of reason at last. Thank god.

[Razzy]

Maturity, mostly! Living in the city I have a lot of gay friends and don't really see them as being any different than my straight friends. It's just a non-issue. Like anything unfamiliar, once it becomes commonplace, it's no longer an issue. Unless of course you're a Bible-thumpin' politician, but we shouldn't get into that either :D

[Usegaw]

Yes, truly, it was a mistake to put Kenny G into my post... and my life...

[timuno]

the school i work at's sax section has more girls than guys

[Pinnman]

... at the end of the growing list (and enough to get the fellas worried) there is also The Fairer Sax - sax 4-tet in UK, and good!

[saxboy]

silly stuff

[Doghouse Riley]

Sax Chick?

How about this one!


http://www.cannonballmusic.com/katjabio.php

[IBSmiester]

I'm not one, but the best saxophonist in my school is. She can cut any of us guys who play.

[stevesklar]

well, many moons ago when i was a freshman in high school wind ensemble there was 1 guy (me) and 3 lady alto saxes.

[martysax]

Chicks play sax? :?

[CircaRevival]

You know, I though Tina Brooks was the best female sax player until I realized he was a guy.

[gary]

Man, this thing is revived again!? Kind's like Freddie Krüger;LOL.

Anyway, since it's back, thought I'd give a little endorsement to a couple of my homeys, Nicole Johänntgen and Carolyn Breuer who, in light of Nicole's name-coup, will have to morph into Carol B:

http://www.nicolejo.de/german/

http://www.carolynbreuer.com/carolyn.pages/photos.html

[martysax]

I actually enjoy imagining a girl ~ 5'3" playing a baritone or bass sax.

I don't know why, I just do. :twisted:

(how tall's Kim?) :?

[commuter]

Rainbow City Band (Seattle community band): currently two each of Alto, Tenor, and Bari saxes, and one of each gender per horn.
Purple Passion (Seatte big band): two women and three men make up the sax section
SWOJO (http://www.swojo.com/): All (well, mostly) women big band in Seattle
Ladies Must Swing (http://www.ladiesmustswing.com/): All women big band in Madison
Last, and a long way from least, The Tiptons (http://www.jessicalurie.com/thetiptons.html)
SWOJO, LMS, and The Tiptons all knock my socks off!

[saxgirl9]

CHECK OUT MAIDEN VOYAGE - its all an girl big band.

Just for any of you girls out there that were wondering.

[martysax]

Now PLEASE don't kill me, BUT I've always noticed how a group of women while together for a long period in an office setting, for example, tend to get in "synch" with each other. This creates turbulent times at the office sometimes.

Musicians IMO tend to be a little "feistier" than the standard sample.

Would the person who books the bands need to keep a "calendar" to appropriately schedule the band to avoid "conflicts?"

Please don't kill me, no disrespect here. I fancy myself as a sociobiologist.

[gary]

Marty, I had a band once with two female singers who were at each other's throats all the time. They were so petty to even carp about the length of the other's shoe heels, i.e. who's was longer. It was so bad, I had to "order" them to stay in separate wings off stage during our shows and then to just meet in the middle of the stage when they were singing together.

Of course with the guys it was always easier. They's just be rollin' around on the floor in the dressing room all elbows and fists until pulled apart. 8-)

[martysax]

Yo Gary,

~16 years ago, I was in a band with two female lead singers. They both thought that they were Madonna! OMG, we used to rehearse in front of a big wall-size mirror and they'd dance and ham it up Oy Guvalt. I was the only married member of the band, and the only one of four guys who wasn't on the make for either "Madonnette" they made the guys fight over them and the band was dust.

[primetime]

Just another female sax player to check out: Shannon LeClaire. She's a prof. at Berklee, and she has some SERIOUS chops.

[Sadie]

Same deal with my college jazz program. I'm the only girl, and not just in the sax section. It's awesome. Go team.

-Sadie

[rhyssaxfan]

I agree but in what way (are they different froim othe girls)?

Sorry for taking so long to reply! um i dunno, it kinda hard to describe, there usually (emphasising usually) more confident you could possibly say in themselves. more fun to be around then girls that play other instruments, and they seem to less likely fall into the 'music geek' catergory, because while they play music there still normal. I dont truly know what it is about girls that play saxophone and I think im just kinda contradicting myself,:? saying there different yet normal. but there is something about them, a 'je nai se quoi' if you will 8-) .

Unfortunetly I find that most girl saxophone players are more classically based then jazz based, many girl (that i know) seem to fear improvisation to a huge degree as a result I hardly ever see any girls soloing or anything unfortunetly. I'm still searching for the perfect girl that'll just let loose on a impro solo....when I see that i'll know shes the one:roll:

jks

Someone said earlier that they dont think sax look particulary good on girls especially tenor and bari. I have agree about the tenor part, though i think Bari suit girls fine and soprano or alto look incredible. dont know what it is about tenor but yeah, seems abit more of a mans horn (sorry!! not meaning that in a sexist way at all, just a personal opinion about tenor in particular) it just doesnt look right on a girl

[rhyssaxfan]

Usually, the classical saxophonists I meet are girls, or homosexual guys. Any1 know a homosexual jazz saxophonist? I wonder if his style would be affected...

lol!:D Thats really good!

[Sadie]

ive noticed a TON of bari girl players
some are hot... ;)
but anyway whats with that
I've noticed that too actually. You expect people to expect them to be male, but now that I think about it, I've seen quite a few of us female bari players around. Go figure.

[BlueNote]

Being a recent high school grad and having played in the jazz band for 4 years, I saw my share of female bari saxophonists at the high school level (though I only played alongside one, and it was for concert band). Most were alright... not to say that were any better or worse than the male bari saxophonists I saw... but this one female bari player at this one local high school here played her a** off at a local high school big band festival a couple years ago. She was the feature on the Mingus tune "Moanin'". She could play that horn! Despite the fact that "Moanin'" is a crowd pleaser, I was impressed that some thin white girl could put that much air through such a large instrument and just take total control over it and make the song her own.

Might I add that another local high school here once had a female drummer. Female bassists are also quite popular at a couple schools here, as well as pianists, trombonists, and sometimes trumpeters.

[airmouton]

Isn't "Moanin" a Benny Golson comp? Or was this a clone... (I only remember because Moanin' is my one autographed cd.)

Honestly, I'm surprised that so many females play the sax. Or rather I'm surprised that so few play it where I'm at. Maybe both. I wonder if it's a Southern thing.

Re: gay men and classical sax - the one female (jazz) sax player I have had as a college classmate was, I'm pretty sure, lesbian. I'm not sure if these two points are corollaries, or whether they are in fact like matter/anti-matter, negating each other and leaving us with only a curious behavioral conundrum to remember them by.

I will say that, since jazz doesn't generally pay all that well or offer much security, and since the sax *is* seen by most people as being a relatively masculine instrument, it seems logical to me that the best reason for pursuing jazz sax - aside from artistic fulfillment and all that rubbish - would be to flirt with women. I mean, didn't most of us take up this accursed instrument with the vague notion of morphing into some cross between Ernest Hemingway and David Hasselhoff? Eh, maybe that was just me.

[robbieg]

My university jazz ensemble for a couple semesters the 2nd alto was a female, she wasn't the best technically... but she had one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard. Our jazz ensemble was usually fairly male dominated, at most we maybe had 2 females in a group of 10-15 guys.

[bubblegirlsax]

I was an alto chick, now I'm a pocket sax chick :)

Maybe the size scares chicks considering saxophones (not what you thought!) are pretty large. Us girls have smaller frames and the sax almost covers our entire chest.

[Razzy]

Went through high school with a female bari player a year younger than me, about 5'4 and 100 pounds, and she could PLAY that horn! Still does in a college concert band. She used a Yani 7 metal and a Mark VI... BLAM.

[martysax]

I was an alto chick, now I'm a pocket sax chick :)

Maybe the size scares chicks considering saxophones (not what you thought!) are pretty large. Us girls have smaller frames and the sax almost covers our entire chest.


Way cool Bubbles.

Which came first, the Sax-chick or the Sax-egg?:?

[Saxamy]

My university jazz ensemble for a couple semesters the 2nd alto was a female, she wasn't the best technically... but she had one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard.

I've noticed this in a lot of female saxophonists I come across. The sound tends to be "nice" and "pretty"... but lacks a certain amount of "oomph" at times. Any thoughts from anyone on why this may be?

Of course, I do not mean this about all female saxophonists. But it is something that I've noticed. Also not to imply that one should play with "oomph" all of the time.

Personally, I always try to "play like I have a pair." ;) Which leads me to my belief that it is an attitude thing, rather than a matter of size or lung capacity. I'm just curious about what others think.

[Brian The Hornman]

I have a few comments here.

First off, I do indeed have a homosexual male friend who is a jazz player (mostly tenor) and I would compare his sound not necessairly his playing) to that of a Dex or Hawk (deep and rich). Just something to think about...

There are also a lot of female jazzers where I am. Our bari player in Jazz 1 this semester is female, and she has a massive sound (plays a series 2 with a rubber otto link, 7* maybe?). Our bary player in jazz 2 was female also, but fit into the more "sweet and pretty-sounding" category. Maybe because she is a clarinet major??? I also do know a couple other female jazz sax players, both youth and adults. One in particular in the Mpls./St. Paul area is Kathy Jensen, a bari player with a HUGE sound. It's insane.

On an aside, I really like the playing of Karolina Strassmeyer (sp?) from Diva big band (all-female big band). Hell, that whole band is worth checking out.

[BlueNote]

I've noticed this in a lot of female saxophonists I come across. The sound tends to be "nice" and "pretty"... but lacks a certain amount of "oomph" at times. Any thoughts from anyone on why this may be?

Of course, I do not mean this about all female saxophonists. But it is something that I've noticed. Also not to imply that one should play with "oomph" all of the time.

Personally, I always try to "play like I have a pair." ;) Which leads me to my belief that it is an attitude thing, rather than a matter of size or lung capacity. I'm just curious about what others think.

I have noticed this, too.

While in high school, of the female saxophone players I heard, very few were "oomph" type players. Perhaps it has to do with confidence, or better yet, just loving what you do. When you look at the numbers, the amount of female saxophonists who continue playing after high school is significantly lower than for the amount of males. For many female saxophonists, at least from what I've observed, it seems as though they do not treat it as seriously as quite a few of the males do. It is more of a hobby for some, rather than an obsession, so some just breeze on by, not concentrating very much on their own tone.

There is this local high school that has had some fantastic players graduate out of. In their top jazz band (of two), there are 3 females in the band - a saxophonist, trumpeter, and a pianist. The saxophonist has great sight-reading skills, but her tone does not stand out. She is a reader more than a soloist.

And of course, it could also be partly due to who they listen to.

[Saxamy]

When you look at the numbers, the amount of female saxophonists who continue playing after high school is significantly lower than for the amount of males.

I'm just curious where these "numbers" are - if you have seen research on this, I would be interested to see it. If this is simply an observation on your part, it lends itself to the whole 'is the saxophone a man's instrument' debate that this thread encompasses

As for females "not taking the instrument seriously" I think you may be on the same track as my attitude comment, but not quite. I do not believe that it is a lack of taking the instrument seriously that causes females to play with less "oomph" as I keep calling it - I don't think gender would have as much as an influence on something like drive and commitment, as it would confidence.

Maybe that's what I'm getting at, that females may be less confident to play with as much power as they are capable of?

It's just a theory, and I'm formulating it as we go ;)

[BlueNote]

I was on the edge of using the word "confidence" in my previous post, haha. Playing any instrument well does take a fair amount of confidence. Think about trumpet players-- if they don't have enough confidence to play something, even one note, he/she could end up playing a completely different note than intended, or no note at all.

Another word that could be used is "authority". Take command of your instrument. Of the female saxophonists I've heard at the high school level for big bands, almost every one of them (there are those exceptions... the ones who can outdo anyone) sits as stiff as a log and is playing the notes on the page. That's part of it-- you have to be willing to move around some and get into the music for it to come out of your horn.

Don't take any of my comments as stereotypical... they are simply what I've seen in past years.

And the "numbers" thing is simply an observation.

[Saxamy]

Well, I was just prodding a little for the sake of conversation. Personally, I am here to bounce ideas off of people, see what they have to say, think about it, and formulate my own idea. I think that's why most of us are here - I hope I didn't sound insulted. I realize that gender and sexuality can be touchy subjects, and this thread could go bad at any minute ;)

Confidence, and I like 'authority' - both much better than "oomph", but I feel bad for not using more concrete terms to describe what I mean. Unfortunately, I don't think my "play like you have a pair" mantra will do either.

I think a lot of times - especially in high school when people tend to feel as if they are being judged by their peers - confidence can play a big role in what we do. I think it is just a fact that females are less confident at this time, for whatever reasons. Maybe we are picking on female saxophonists because it's harder to get away with playing wimpy on an instrument that is certainly NOT wimpy.

[candiceartisan]

I would be interested to know how many female sax players are members of this site. Does anyone know the answer?
Candy

[garyinla]

.

[bubblegirlsax]

The sax-egg came first, only it came from a non-musical parenting and was buffed into a musical egg by outside influences. So in fact, the sax-egg is a modified egg that becomes a sax chick :)


PS - get my Sopranino, soprano and tenor recorder next week. As well as fife and tin whistle. The glass flutes, melodica and ocarinas are harder to find and I have to get them received by my friend in the US for her to send them here to me. And my xaphoon is being specially made without the brass bits and wooden reed included. Here's hoping for some fun soon :)

[paulwl]

ive noticed a TON of bari girl playersI just got back from the annual US Navy Saxophone Symposium, and for the 4th year in a row, I noticed the same thing. My theory is that:

a) Women typically have been socialized to be less competitive and more cooperative in group situations.
b) Baritone sax tends to be an ensemble "helper" instrument, not a highly competitive solo horn.

<dons asbestos underwear>
Fire away, ladies. 8-)

[Saxamy]

I may be inclined to agree with you, paulwl. But I think in public schools (in the United States) we all tend to begin on alto. Then in most cases, you get "stuck" on one of the larger instruments - starting in middle school, because your teacher doesn't think you are as good as the kids who get to stay on alto - for the second reason you mentioned. This is just a generalization, but maybe this plays a role. The teacher might not think that the girls are as good, so they stick them on the big instruments.

This is what happened to me, in middle school. I got stuck on tenor - - and loved it! Never picked up an alto until my freshman year of college. Now I tend towoards the larger instruments; tenor, bari, and bass.

I think your suggestion definitely has some merit to it.

There's also the factor that maybe we like the feeling of "look at all the boys playing their tiny little instruments." - makes us feel powerful 8-)

[Sadie]

Good points. Unfortunately, high schools have some silly idea that the best players play alto, the middle can play tenor, and the weakest person gets shoved onto baritone. In order to play baritone well, you definitely need to play with that authority and conviction that was mentioned before, or it does end up being just an "ensemble helper". It's all what you make of it, but I've definitely seen too many female bari players that play too...I don't know...passively I guess. It's really unfortunate, but it does happen. However, there are those of us trying to change this stereotype :D

Something else I found weird was that in one of the jazz bands I'm in, out of 20 people, there are four girls, all of whom play saxophone. We have one male sax player in the section, and no girls in the brass or rhythm sections. Very strange.

[Darkstar]

Don't worry about it, I find it very attractive to see chicks playing the sax. We've got a girl for our lead alto. She's way good at the sax and not that bad lookin' either...

[rs1sensen]

There are about 20 saxes in my high school (alto, tenor, and bari). About 10 of those are girls.

Its pretty sweet to see girls play sax (cuz its a hot instrument), but the flutes are the best kissers...

[Sadie]

Its pretty sweet to see girls play sax (cuz its a hot instrument), but the flutes are the best kissers...

Beware of those of us who play sax and flute. We're deadly. ;)

[candiceartisan]

Sadie,
LOL! You aren't kidding! I play sax and flute and completely agree with you!
Candy

[CrazyMusician]

I hear ya, there does seem to be a shortage of female sax players on my end as well. I am currently in University and am the only female in my sax studio. The funny part, I am the bari player of the group.... 5'4" and 120lbs soaking wet compared to all these big guys, all over 6'... It has become quite the joke with us, and I too have been deemed the 'sax chick'

[danyo]

i have found the opposite of u guys, when i started highschool all the "good" sax players were girls, and i was stuck on barri for the senior band. i'm on alto now and it is about half and half, with a really small girl on the barri, like 5' 2" maybe...

[saxymoose]

There are only 2 sax chicks at my high school. I'm one of them, and I'm the best sax player at my school.

[rs1sensen]

Beware of those of us who play sax and flute. We're deadly. ;)

lol! If only I had some sax/flute doublers at my school...

[playitfunky]

A few women will always be the exception to the rule

[CrazyMusician]

Sax and flute... ah, yes.... we are a deadly combination are we not :D *high five*

[JazzSaxKitten]

We've got four girl saxes, one girl trombone, and two girl drummers. All the rest are guys.

Definitely a good way to get to know guys.

Our bari player is the only sax dude in the jazz band but when I went to an honor band, I noticed that all t he bass clarinets, the contrabass clarinet, and all the bari saxes were girls. i think that's cool. :)

I play tenor.

[martysax]

Sax and flute... ah, yes.... we are a deadly combination are we not :D *high five*


Ya Baby! Me Too!

[J.Max]

I married a female sax player. When I was in band in college, I was the lead alto, and she was the lead tenor. Needless to say, sectionals were...interesting.

I never noticed ANYWHERE that I ever played that there was anything but a 50/50 split between men and women in a sax section. There never seemed to be much intersectional dating though. Most of the male sax players were always trying to date the flute section, and most of the females were dating percussionists or (*shudder*) string players. I was the only lucky one, and my wife's first instrument was piano.

[gary]

I never noticed ANYWHERE that I ever played that there was anything but a 50/50 split between men and women in a sax section.
For the last two years, the big band I've played in has had four college women and - me.
If ever there was a case of throwing the fox in the hen house... :twisted:

[Sadie]

most of the females were dating percussionists

It's a time honoured tradition. We do like our drummers.

-Sadie

[gary]

It's a time honoured tradition. We do like our drummers.
Makes sense. What was it Teddy Roosevelt said?

[groovesax]

Makes sense. What was it Teddy Roosevelt said?

... A date which will live in infamy?... oh no, that was the other Roosevelt :?

[martysax]

Makes sense. What was it Teddy Roosevelt said?

"Bully, Let's Charge that G'damn Hill!"

[gary]

"Bully, Let's Charge that G'damn Hill!"
I was thinking more of "Speak softly but..."

[martysax]

I was thinking more of "Speak softly but..."

Did you hear the one about the triple...

[CrazyMusician]

I too will admit to having dated a percussionist lol :D

[martysax]

I too will admit to having dated a percussionist lol :D

At the end of the relationship, did you tell him to "Beat it?"

[Brendan Muse]

This is a bit off topic, but I heard an interesting story after All State auditions.

Evidently, there was this hot bari-playing girl there. I mean, really hot. And she was good, too. She played, according to my source, just like me. And I'm evidently not a bad player (certainly better than the hack who went to All-State from our district. ;) ) She was, in short, my soul mate.

But anyway, this hot bari-playing girl was playing on one of those black lacquer Selmers (this is where I started having suspicions. No soul mate of mine could play on a Selmer horn.) They even got her name. It was Ivana.

Ivana Brendan Muse. :lol:

[Dewey]

Wow, this girl is in college now and this thread is still going. Impressive.

[paulwl]

It's a time honoured tradition. We do like our drummers.It's the sleeveless tee shirts, isn't it? That and the fact that they don't talk.

[Grumps]

What is that old joke... what do you call a drummer who's been dumped by his girlfriend?




... homeless

[alsdiego]

What does a drummer get on an IQ test?

Drool.

[jacobeid]

The only problem I have with the female sax player in our big band is that she is annoying as crap. Pretty good player, but I can't stand her haha. I really don't have a problem admitting if a female is better than me, because I mean really, who cares?

[Grumps]

The only problem I have with the female sax player in our big band is that she is annoying as crap.
Translation: I think I'm in love with her...

Pretty good player, but I can't stand her haha.
Translation: I'm really in love with her...

I really don't have a problem admitting if a female is better than me, because I mean really, who cares?
Translation: Really, really, really in love with her...

[Daktion]

Translation: I think I'm in love with her...

Translation: I'm really in love with her...

Translation: Really, really, really in love with her...

man I was laughing for like 2 minutes.... it's midnight here and my gf is giving me the WT* look.

and jacobeid it's ok to admit it..... sometimes love finds you where you least expect it.

[bubblegirlsax]

Ahhh love. None in my life but from my dog and parents. (Plutonic - not sex, you freak!)

I'll just go back to my Buffy DVDs and dream :) I also like Pauly Shore but I know everyone thinks he's weird. No idea why. I think he's cool! It's hard to believe he's not married yet.

[gary]

Translation:I think I'm in love with her...
Translation: I'm really in love with her...
Translation:Really, really, really in love with her...
man I was laughing for like 2 minutes.Here too. I got a big kick out it.

[martysax]

The only problem I have with the female sax player in our big band is that she is annoying as crap. Pretty good player, but I can't stand her haha. I really don't have a problem admitting if a female is better than me, because I mean really, who cares?

Don't worry. She's probably too good for you anyways. Concentrate on the female drummers instead.

[J.Max]

Is this thread back again?

I can think of a few female sax professors around at colleges too. Most of them are classical players...

[fenix424]

Yeah, my teacher at SXU (Lara Regan) told me she never played Jazz really until she was doing her master's work at Northwestern... She is an awesome legit player... Her jazz is insane for as little as she has played...

[Gary622]

My high school stage band had a petite female bari player most of the time I was in it (we had an incredibly weak concert band sax section to pick from, so most of us were clarinet transplants, and I was one of the token guys in the clarinet section, so...).

The local dance band I used to play in has a very small woman on bari now.

Me, I developed crushes on no fewer than FOUR trombonists (all female, in case you're wondering) in high school. My first kiss (well, other than dear old mum) was with one of those trombonists.

Which was a long time ago, and if I had been in therapy all this time, I still don't know that I would have gotten to the bottom of that one...

And yeah, all the girls either went for drummers or trombonists (mostly the male ones, but...)

[gary]

My first kiss...was with one of those trombonists. Which was a long time ago, and if I had been in therapy all this time, I still don't know that I would have gotten to the bottom of that one..
Well, Gary -

You start with the kiss and you just kind'a start working your way down. :D

[martysax]

Well, Gary -

You start with the kiss and you just kind'a start working your way down. :D

First descend chromatically, then arpeggios with intense staccato until you reach the end of the "A" section.


(What's the thread topic?)

[Gary622]

Well, Gary -

You start with the kiss and you just kind'a start working your way down. :D

I was only 15 at the time. Your own signature should provide some context here... :shock:

[gary]

Your own signature should provide some context here... :shock:

:sign5: !!!

[saxtenore]

For any girls of this site, please let see this place:
www.myspace.com/5363907
My nickname is Tenorsaxlover and my site is dedicated to all the female Tenor sax players of myspace! You will see a lot of great female performers! So please be a friend of the site!
Bye bye
Tenorsaxlover

[Matt Kaesler]

In the section I led last year, I was Lead Alto, 2nd Alto was also male but 1st Tenor, 2nd Tenor and Bari were all female. At the school I was at, most of the good saxophone players were female.

BTW the bari player was actually an alto/bari player who has a 'the Martin' alto, I'm still jealous because I still haven't upgraded my horn.

[Jimmy Alto]

Two words that I haven't seen so far...

Kristy Norter?

While I'm at it, the entire Diva band?

[blondemusicgurl]

Hmph... Reproductive organs don't determine how well you can play the sax.

When I first picked up bari, it seemed like it was the instrument for the biggest dude in the band. But now I'm noticing a major trend of female bari players...... I do believe it's on it's way to becoming more of a female's instrument. I'm small, petite and look quite odd hauling a case almost as big as me.... and it's tough at first because people often underestimate your abilities. But you can use that to your advantage and surprise the heck outta' them.

Yeah, guys need to get over girls who play sax, and girls need to stop feeling so alienated playing sax. There are a LOT of female players out there. Good players too.

Jazz isn't just for the guys anymore. =)

[BandGeek4Life0x0]

yea, in our jazz band our lead alto, 1st tenor and bari (me) are all girls...

[Jonathan C.]

Girl saxophonist are hot. Their are to many that play flute. It is fun to play next to a girl sax player. The problem is that they are real grouches. They yell at everybody, when I was a freshman their was a girl Sax, in the top band. Beware, that girl was crazy. one to many reeds.

[kavala]

My first kiss...was with one of those trombonists. Which was a long time ago, and if I had been in therapy all this time, I still don't know that I would have gotten to the bottom of that one..



Well, Gary -
You start with the kiss and you just kind'a start working your way down. :D



First descend chromatically, then arpeggios with intense staccato until you reach the end of the "A" section.

This forum is sooooo entertaining....

[blondemusicgurl]

Sax girls aren't decorations

[martysax]

Sax girls aren't decorations

Correct!

They are fantastic people who help their brother sax players by introducing them to the right friends that could appreciate sax players. (I think guys like Martinman and Dirty need help from girls like you.)

For that, and many other reasons, they should be decorated.

[bluesaxgirl]

I'm the only girl in my band too. I was in my last honor band too. I was at my old school too. What's up with that? :(

[Martinman]

Correct!

They are fantastic people who help their brother sax players by introducing them to the right friends that could appreciate sax players. (I think guys like Martinman and Dirty need help from girls like you.)

For that, and many other reasons, they should be decorated.


Yes! :D

The thing with the hot flute player didn't work out. She has a friend with benefits.

[martysax]

Yes! :D

The thing with the hot flute player didn't work out. She has a friend with benefits.

Being a doubler was cool when I got into Brandeis. The best is yet to come for you young grasshopper.

The Brandeis orchestra had several hot flautists. One night, the flute professor caught me jamming on my flute with a folk group at Cholmondleys (the campus coffee house). We had a nice discussion about a Sheridan Stokes book I had been studying with and Ian Anderson, since I had just played a set of Tull.

Next thing I know, lots of girls were coming to see me play. I used to play 2 or 3 nights a week there. They practically made me required listening.

I never got tired of answering my door in the dorm when one would come by for "pointers."

Practice your doubles often. You never know when they may come in handy!

[blondemusicgurl]

Next thing I know, lots of girls were coming to see me play. I used to play 2 or 3 nights a week there. They practically made me required listening.

I never got tired of answering my door in the dorm when one would come by for "pointers."

Practice your doubles often. You never know when they may come in handy!

HAH! The only flaw with that theory, is that all female flautists assume that guy flautists WANT to be female flautists... if you catch my drift.

Really funny though.

[Demolisher]

What is with female cellists? They are the hottest!

[hakukani]

What is with female cellists? They are the hottest!


This is indeed a slippery slope. My first wife was/is a cellist. She still is in an orchestra. Stay away from them is my advice.

Danger! Danger! Will Robinson!

[martysax]

HAH! The only flaw with that theory, is that all female flautists assume that guy flautists WANT to be female flautists... if you catch my drift.

Really funny though.

Are you familiar with the "Wolf in Sheep's clothing" concept? ;)

I was the only male in several flute masterclasses during band camps. I was always used as an example. I once related my experience regarding a masterclass on diaphragm control, but I was ********** for it.:cry:

[martysax]

Are you familiar with the "Wolf in Sheep's clothing" concept? ;)

I was the only male in several flute masterclasses during band camps. I was always used as an example. I once related my experience regarding a masterclass on diaphragm control, but I was ********** for it.:cry:

Wow, I can't believe that they bleeped out **********!

martysax? does that work? wow.

[gary]

Wow, I can't believe that they bleeped out **********!martysax? does that work? wow.
Hmmm. Interesting. Maybe you should have said you got dogpantst. There, I said it. Dogpantst.

dogpantst! dogpantst! dogpantst!

:twisted:

[Grumps]

Can you get ********** for saying **********?

Oops... I hope not.

[Martinman]

Being a doubler was cool when I got into Brandeis. The best is yet to come for you young grasshopper.

The Brandeis orchestra had several hot flautists. One night, the flute professor caught me jamming on my flute with a folk group at Cholmondleys (the campus coffee house). We had a nice discussion about a Sheridan Stokes book I had been studying with and Ian Anderson, since I had just played a set of Tull.

Next thing I know, lots of girls were coming to see me play. I used to play 2 or 3 nights a week there. They practically made me required listening.

I never got tired of answering my door in the dorm when one would come by for "pointers."

Practice your doubles often. You never know when they may come in handy!


Interesting. My drummer friend just went down to IU for his audition, and came back with a story about a girl he ran into that I would get banned for mentioning. I think you get my drift Marty. He didn't do anything, but apparently the option is there...

[hakukani]

Interesting. My drummer friend just went down to IU for his audition, and came back with a story about a girl he ran into that I would get banned for mentioning. I think you get my drift Marty. He didn't do anything, but apparently the option is there...

You know, of course, that drummers are notorious for not being truthful.

[J.Max]

What is with female cellists? They are the hottest!


I think that it has something to do with where the cello is and the ferocity at which they bow. Go see the "Witches of Eastwick" for an extreme example.

BTW, why does ********** get bleeped? I've always spelled it Martysax'd, but I don't understand the prohibition...

[hakukani]

I think that it has something to do with where the cello is and the ferocity at which they bow.


That's what I'm talking about. That's the first thing I asked my ex about when I met her.

I'm not kidding.

[gary]

BTW, why does ********** get bleeped? I've always spelled it Martysax'd, but I don't understand the prohibition...
Perhaps an attempt to thwart the formation of an anarchist cult on SOTW? :D

[martysax]

Perhaps an attempt to thwart the formation of an anarchist cult on SOTW? :D




Isn't that "Wolfmaiden" next to the guy in the hat?

[martysax]

BTW, why does ********** get bleeped? I've always spelled it Martysax'd, but I don't understand the prohibition...


If my image starts to get removed from pictures, this may be the twilight zone. :shock:

Maybe they're planning my demise? :(

Just remember, when I'm gone, play hard, sing hard, live hard and love hard!;)

It's been nice knowing all of you!:hello2:

[Martinman]

You know, of course, that drummers are notorious for not being truthful.

Which part do you think is untrue? I know he didn't have time to do anything, he had his Ball State audition that day too...

[Grumps]

BTW, why does ********** get bleeped?
My guess would be that as you're not supposed to talk about banned members, or why they were banned, when that term got thrown around it was a bit too in your face in regard to the aforementioned policy. I mean, we wouldn't want to have a Martyrsax on our hands, now would we...

[martysax]

we wouldn't want to have a Martyrsax on our hands, now would we...



:cry:

[hakukani]

Which part do you think is untrue? I know he didn't have time to do anything, he had his Ball State audition that day too...
Perhaps I should have said the drummers (and let's face it most males) have a tendency to stretch the truth when it comes to their prowess with the ladies;)

[Martinman]

Perhaps I should have said the drummers (and let's face it most males) have a tendency to stretch the truth when it comes to their prowess with the ladies;)

I got ya. But the way he said it did not make him look like a ladies man at all. That was what made it believable.

[hakukani]

I got ya. But the way he said it did not make him look like a ladies man at all. That was what made it believable.

I went to IU (for audio tech--not music per se), as did my first wife (the cellist), and so do not doubt anything.

[TahoeSabajo]

Sorry for being a saxist/sexist but I feel that the sax is a MAN's horn :wink:
Yeah OK....*rolls eyes*

I play lead tenor in the jazz band at my school, and I'm also the only girl. It's pretty cool, if you ask me. It's always nice to crush some guy's ego. ;)

[Martinman]

At the jazz festival I went to/played at this weekend, there was one sax section that was all girl except the bari player, but they weren't that great (they had 5 altos:!: :? ).

[JurgenWigg]

Is it just me or does it irk people when high school jazz bands try to suit whiney parents instead of trying to make a fun and educational experience for it's members in a traditional big band setting, 2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 bar, 3 or 4 trombones and a bass bone, and 4 or 5 trumpets. Violins, Cellos, Violas, French Horns, Oboes (oh god...), and Bassoons, not to mention flutes and clarinets which the saxes should know how to double on, have no place in playing in a big band IMO.

[Martinman]

Is it just me or does it irk people when high school jazz bands try to suit whiney parents instead of trying to make a fun and educational experience for it's members in a traditional big band setting, 2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 bar, 3 or 4 trombones and a bass bone, and 4 or 5 trumpets. Violins, Cellos, Violas, French Horns, Oboes (oh god...), and Bassoons, not to mention flutes and clarinets which the saxes should know how to double on, have no place in playing in a big band IMO.

Actually, strings can be very good in a jazz band - if used right.

I dig you on pretty much everything else, except the flute. One flute isn't bad if you keep them back with the trombones.

[hakukani]

I thought sax chicks would dig 'haut bois':D :D :D

[dhopson]

I would have thought bari_sax_diva would have chimed in by now. If she'd been in my section in school, I'd have gotten in more trouble than I did.

Our HS sax section had 4 girls to 8 guys. My first tutor was Rhonda, followed by Cheryl and Renee. All were good teachers. I'd sure like to get in contact with Renee again... all sax related, i assure you ;)

Just do your own thing and let them try to keep up.

[bari_sax_diva]

I would have thought bari_sax_diva would have chimed in by now. If she'd been in my section in school, I'd have gotten in more trouble than I did.

Careful, now... I don't need much encouragement to get myself into hot water. ;)

Back in high school, I played a lot of legit clarinet, so I really wasn't much of a hellraiser in band. I saved that tendency for the drumline, where I irritated my [woman] band director to no end by developing pretty good chops on the snare drum. Go figure.

By the way, I didn't read this whole thread, but I should point out that if you think the male/female dynamic in a band is a weird one, you should see how tense things can get *between* women musicians. I'd guess that most of us (me included) possess rather intense egos, so if it's perceived that someone is going on a primadonna trip, things can get really ugly.


My theory is that:

a) Women typically have been socialized to be less competitive and more cooperative in group situations.
b) Baritone sax tends to be an ensemble "helper" instrument, not a highly competitive solo horn.

Not the way *I* play it. :D

I do see what you're saying. But I'd also point out that the baritone sax fits into jazz ensembles in a way that gives a player a LOT of interpretive latitude. That's part of what attracts me to the horn... as long as you remain within some rather wide boundaries of good taste, you can be almost as aggressive as you want to--you just have to execute it well.

I think it's cool that I'm seeing a lot more girls playing in school jazz bands nowadays, and I hope they stay active in the same ratios as the guys as they become adults. At the end of the day, though, we're all just musicians working on our stuff, so I try not to get too hung up on gender in music. Takes too much valuable woodshed time to worry about it.

-Leanne

[J.Max]

By the way, I didn't read this whole thread, but I should point out that if you think the male/female dynamic in a band is a weird one, you should see how tense things can get *between* women musicians. I'd guess that most of us (me included) possess rather intense egos, so if it's perceived that someone is going on a primadonna trip, things can get really ugly.

Happens between guys too.

Funny thing is that (at least when I was in high school) a lot of the male/female conflicts end up in "hook-up" situations. (In college, some of the girl/girl and boy/boy ones do too.) I knew one couple who constantly were at each others' throats in high school...they're now married with two kids.

The bad thing is when you have a close knit group and there's a break-up.

[blondemusicgurl]

It's always nice to crush some guy's ego. ;)

hahahah that's the spirit

[AuntSaxophone]

When I first went into middle school, the high school bari player who helped me get aqquainted with a school loaner Bari was a chick. I'm also a chick. Anyone got a problem with that? I think the reason you don't see a lot of girls playing sax is because most of them go for the flute and clarinet. We also has a Bass Saxist in high school that was a girl. However, the Alto section that I belonged to was dominated by the males...

[Twombles62]

Girls play Bari sax because they want to prove that they are just as good (or better) than the other guys who play smaller instruments.

[Simon Weiner]

I have been trying to find a girlfriend in this "SCENe" for a long time now. Some girls are really really cool people. Clarinet palyers seem to be a little wilder then others. Anyway I still haven't found THE ONE YET.:( I mean i figure I should date in the business right??:?

MY MOM SAYS I'M A GOOD CATCH!

[hakukani]

MY MOM SAYS I'M A GOOD CATCH!

Baseball isn't everything.:D

It's fine to date, but NEVER marry a musician. Tried that one once.

[Simon Weiner]

Baseball isn't everything.:D

It's fine to date, but NEVER marry a musician. Tried that one once.



WHOA WHOA WHOA, I never said anything about MARRY. I just want to have fun.:D Lots and lots of fun. :twisted: I mean the majority of single ladies I meet are musicians. In the store or at conventions im always around them. Luckly there is noone on this Forum that knows of some of my exploits with girls and conventions.:shock: SHHHHHHHHHHH! 8-)

[Tharruff]

Haku,

My wife is a musician. She is a damn good singer, flautist, keyboard player, guitarist, volinist and has a music degree. I don't have a music degree (Engineering) but I do play Sax and Clarinet. Next Monday will be our 30th wedding anniversary. Sometimes it works out...

[Simon Weiner]

Haku,

My wife is a musician. She is a damn good singer, flautist, keyboard player, guitarist, volinist and has a music degree. I don't have a music degree (Engineering) but I do play Sax and Clarinet. Next Monday will be our 30th wedding anniversary. Sometimes it works out...


HAPPY ANIVERSARY FELLOW NEW YORKER. Ummmmm where is NORTH COUNTRY?

[hakukani]

WHOA WHOA WHOA, I never said anything about MARRY. I just want to have fun.:D Lots and lots of fun. :twisted: I mean the majority of single ladies I meet are musicians. In the store or at conventions im always around them. Luckly there is noone on this Forum that knows of some of my exploits with girls and conventions.:shock: SHHHHHHHHHHH! 8-)

In that case, I recommend percussionists, especially conga players.:D

And Tharruff, I guess sometimes it does...
I'm very happy being the only musician in my household, however.;)

[Tharruff]

Haku,

The New York 'North Country' is on the Canadian border...we are 3 blocks from the south shore of the St.Lawrence River. Canada is on the north shore of the river. I could walk to Canada in the winter if I were brave enough...(I'm not)

[ST Jimmy]

I'm the only saxophonist full stop at college...
Actually, thinking about it I don't think I've ever met a male saxophonist...(unless you count seeing Jason Freese play with Green Day in Milton keynes?)

[Martinman]

I'm the only saxophonist full stop at college...
Actually, thinking about it I don't think I've ever met a male saxophonist...(unless you count seeing Jason Freese play with Green Day in Milton keynes?)


Did you go to an all-girls school or something?

[hakukani]

I'm the only saxophonist full stop at college...
Actually, thinking about it I don't think I've ever met a male saxophonist...(unless you count seeing Jason Freese play with Green Day in Milton keynes?)

Green Day has a sax player?:shock:

[Martinman]

Green Day has a sax player?:shock:


Apparently, and he is probably the only half-way decent musician in the whole group...

[hakukani]

Apparently, and he is probably the only half-way decent musician in the whole group...

I would hope that is true.

I ran follow spot at a Green Day show on the Dookie tour. It was the worst playing...no ensemble, out of tune (which is really hard to do with electronic tuners and all). The drummer was the only thing holding the band together...at least HE could do his job.

[ST Jimmy]

Did you go to an all-girls school or something?
Nope...
There are 4 girls on my music course (out of maybe 30 over the two years...) all the guys I know that are musicians play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard...I know one male flautist...


And yeah, Green Day take a saxophonist on tour, for American Idiot it was Jason Freese...Homecoming (the second 9 minute song on AI) has a sax part fro "Rock and Roll Girlfriend" and they use it when they play Knowledge live as well.

[Neffinator]

Nope...
There are 4 girls on my music course (out of maybe 30 over the two years...) all the guys I know that are musicians play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard...I know one male flautist...


And yeah, Green Day take a saxophonist on tour, for American Idiot it was Jason Freese...Homecoming (the second 9 minute song on AI) has a sax part fro "Rock and Roll Girlfriend" and they use it when they play Knowledge live as well.
its sad that there aren't more male flautists in the world :shock:

[jazzysax08]

Hey,my name's Ciera, and I'm a senior and in my high school jazz ensemble, the females rock the sax section!!..not one male in the group..2 altos, 2 tenors(myself on lead), and even a girl on bari..she's skinnier than my left arm and she can really make that thing talk!!

[Saxapwn1]

Hailey Niswagner. 1st chair jazz band of america and all kinds of other amazing jazz groups. She rips!

[raysaxpauley]

How about Candy Dulfer? And check out Sue Terry's book Practice Like the Pros. Totally equal opportunity there... Enjoy you sax...

candy dulfer needs to take take a lesson on how to play music, shes a female kenny g. (which isnt a good thig for all you kids going hey i like kenny g).

[hakukani]

candy dulfer needs to take take a lesson on how to play music, shes a female kenny g. (which isnt a good thig for all you kids going hey i like kenny g).

Nope. Prince didn't hire Kenny--I'm sure he wanted Candy to play his music fer sure. While you may not like her output, she can defintely play---and so can her Dad Hans Dulfer.

[bluesaxgirl]

Nope. Prince didn't hire Kenny--I'm sure he wanted Candy to play his music fer sure. While you may not like her output, she can defintely play---and so can her Dad Hans Dulfer.

Ditto that x2.
Playing like Kenny G is REALLY bad.
Candy can't touch him.

[soundandtime]

Connie Frigo? Hellllllllllllllo?

[gary]

Oy! I just opened the New Posts thread and got these two thread titles stacked one on the other:

- Sax Chicks
- Question about putting the crook in

:shock:

[SuperAction80]

Oy! I just opened the New Posts thread and got these two thread titles stacked one on the other:

- Sax Chicks
- Question about putting the crook in

:shock:

Could have been worse. Imagine if the "Is This Red Rot" thread was somewhere in the mix. :shock:

[CiaranAudio]

While you may not like her output, she can defintely play---and so can her Dad Hans Dulfer.

Hans Dulfer is my hero.

Also, I was trying to find the video of the two of them playing together with Candy's band (the one that bathes them in blue light). It doesnt seem to be on YouTube anymore.

Hans is like the Jimi Hendrix of the Tenor.

[bari_sax_diva]

candy dulfer needs to take take a lesson on how to play music, shes a female kenny g. (which isnt a good thig for all you kids going hey i like kenny g).

Surprised I missed this comment. Wow.

I might not be all that into Candy's music, but you don't get to where she is if you can't play the crap outta that horn....

By the way, gotta put a word in here for Carole Chaiken. Got to play next to her on Winston Byrd's band a couple of times recently and man... she is just totally hardcore. GREAT player.

[Saxland]

Tara Davidson on soprano and alto. Her soprano tone is something that just bowled me over when I first heard it.

Check out her bio opener on her website www.taradavidson.ca

"Toronto-born saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Tara Davidson is earning a reputation for herself as one of the leading lights in the next generation of Canadian jazz musicians.  Not yet 29 years old, Davidson has performed in over 12 countries at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and The Sony Center in Pori, Finland."

She is recording and touring with Canadas top jazz musicians.

[gary]

Posted by raysaxpauley
candy dulfer needs to take take a lesson on how to play music, shes a female kenny g. (which isnt a good thig for all you kids going hey i like kenny g).

Posted by bari_sax_diva
Surprised I missed this comment. Wow.
I might not be all that into Candy's music, but you don't get to where she is if you can't play the crap outta that horn.

WORD!

Candy needs to learn a thing or two about music? Silly.

[SuperAction80]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLPD6tz5SyY

Yeah, Candy Dulfer is a real hack. :roll:

[saxmanglen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLPD6tz5SyY

Yeah, Candy Dulfer is a real hack. :roll:



Wow, it's a shame she totally embarrassed herself, huh? :TGNCHK:

[SaxoPiper89]

Try being the only girl in Jazz band. Oh boy! That was an exciting experience. Actually it was great. They always took care of all the chairs and everything. Chivalry lives!

[martysax]

Try being the only girl in Jazz band.

I did. After a few songs I was uncovered.

[bari_sax_diva]

Try being the only girl in Jazz band. Oh boy! That was an exciting experience. Actually it was great. They always took care of all the chairs and everything. Chivalry lives!

Been doing it for years. I even put away my own chair. ;)

BTW, Marcus Miller is a freak. It's just not fair that some cats are that talented.

[SuperAction80]

BTW, Marcus Miller is a freak. It's just not fair that some cats are that talented.

I put Marcus on the same level as Stanley Clarke and Vic Wooten. I love his tone, but I'm also partial towards J-Basses. Marcus always surrounded himself with great musicians too. Kenny Garrett, Poogie Bell, Patches Stewart, etc. I've never met him, but I do know Poogie pretty well. He's said that Marcus is a pretty cool guy to be around. Must be true since they've been working with each other for nearly 20 years now.

BTW, has anyone ever heard Candy play "Childrens World" on Maceo's "Live from Planet Groove" album? Great melody, and she really tears it up on her solo.

[kilter]

Tara Davidson on soprano and alto. Her soprano tone is something that just bowled me over when I first heard it.

Check out her bio opener on her website www.taradavidson.ca

"Toronto-born saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Tara Davidson is earning a reputation for herself as one of the leading lights in the next generation of Canadian jazz musicians.  Not yet 29 years old, Davidson has performed in over 12 countries at such prestigious venues as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and The Sony Center in Pori, Finland."

She is recording and touring with Canadas top jazz musicians.

Yeah, Tara's pretty great.
I was at U of T while she was there.. she was wicked then too.

Being a female sax player is pretty good. I won't lie, I'm pretty sure some of my opportunities have more to do with my gender than my playing (not that I can't play).. it's not that much of a novelty but it still gets you noticed. I still constantly get "WOW!! a female SAX PLAYER??!? Awesome!" at gigs all the time as if it was unheard of.

[Nozero]

BOTH my senior and junior section leaders in marching band this year were girls, and I can't say they were bad section leaders either.

Hopefully next year It'll be me calling the saxophone section's shots. ;)

[RootyTootoot]

Oy! I just opened the New Posts thread and got these two thread titles stacked one on the other:

- Sax Chicks
- Question about putting the crook in

:shock:

See, I knew some exciting stuff happened while i was away..

[Yapper]

Of our 10 saxes 6 are chicks

[al9672]

Marty kilts don't count
http://www.utilikilts.com/store/pinfo.php?cPath=15&products_id=29

[martysax]

Marty kilts don't count
http://www.utilikilts.com/store/pinfo.php?cPath=15&products_id=29

I've worn a dress a few times, but never a kilt.

IMHO It's easier to be manly in a dress.

[jrvinson45]

I've worn a dress a few times, but never a kilt.

IMHO It's easier to be manly in a dress.

Doesn't that depend upon how short the dress is?

[Laurel Moore]

I think you have to prove yourself to be doubly good: if you're a girl sax player though. Because I think some people look at you, as if they think you must be there just for novelty value. So they expect you to be crap......

When I first picked up the sax many years ago, I struggled with embarassment for a long time (also with being fairly crap, unfortunately!) Wishing I could find my beloved love affair with a different instrument, which didn't seem like such a pose! Didn't draw so much attention. I mean it is a very cool instrument to play.

It helps to be older. I know I play it, just because something about the sax makes me melt! The rest, I've learnt now is just unimportant. It doesn't matter what people think. So, all I can do to help myself if just practise, practise, practise..........................................

[Matt Otto]

Two of my favorite female alto players are Lisa Parrott
http://www.parrottmusic.com/lisa.htm
and Ariel Alexander
http://www.myspace.com/arielalexandermusic

[martysax]

Doesn't that depend upon how short the dress is?

Not when you wear one like me.:D

[kavala]

Not when you wear one like me.

Marty, now you are bragging. ;)

[tanzie]

In the band i play, all the alto's are mainly girls, I have to say that also the rhythm section is nearly female aswell except the drummer! He's amazing! Look out for him, he's Ed Richardson, he's even played at Ronny Scotts and he's 18! WOWZA!

[NissanVintageSax]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ5ktt-Dlhw

It's alive! This post was too long, so if this link is in here already, I apologize :) .

[gary]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ5ktt-Dlhw
It's alive! This post was too long, so if this link is in here already, I apologize :) .

Hey, thanks, that was kind'a fun.
Boy, it sure doesn't take much to seperate the women from the girls when you hear Candy and a few others, though, does it?

Check out Tineka Postma. I'm a fan. Her soprano sound is the one I strive for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWrmSMrUt0

[kilter]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ5ktt-Dlhw

It's alive! This post was too long, so if this link is in here already, I apologize :) .

:shock: well.. a few of them were good..

The thing I found most notable about the video was the incredibly forced, awkward looking dances many of these women were doing. Did someone tell them to move like that on stage to look sexy? I hate watching someone fake being into the music with exaggerated swaying, & it's made even worse when it's accompanied by awkward little hip sashays.

wow, Tineke Postma is great, thanks for the link Gary.

[NissanVintageSax]

Yes, she does know how to make the Soprano sound like a Sax! Actually has a Tenor style, one octave up!

[AmyLeeSAX]

I was female last time I checked :)

[NissanVintageSax]

Almost a Celtic vibe I heard in some of those sound clips Amy. Nice ;) .

[conn1933]

Asya Fateyeva. Winner of the Yamaha Sax Contest 2007 Classical Section. Videos:

http://procustom.yamaha.com/en/video-competition.php

[gary]

I was female last time I checked :)

Indeed you are!

WHOAH! Barry Manilow on drums. Cool! :shock:


:D

[SaxOnTheBeach94]

I'm a sophmore in high school, and I'm the only girl in my section (saxes obviously...). I was wondering if anybody else is like that!

Everybody dubbed me "sax chick" because it was like they never seen a girl play the sax before... XDThat's funny that you say that. I am the only guy sax player out of all of the saxes in my classes. I'm not called "sax dude", but I've noticed girls mainly play Alto at high school level. Some girls play tenor, but almost no girls play bari. Which is also weird, because all of our Bari players are girls as well.

[jaysne]

I'm a sophmore in high school, and I'm the only girl in my section (saxes obviously...). I was wondering if anybody else is like that!

Everybody dubbed me "sax chick" because it was like they never seen a girl play the sax before... XD

Let's see, when I was in high school, we had several girls in the concert band sax section, and three in the jazz band sax section.

Now that I'm a school band conductor myself, I've noticed that many, many girls are playing saxophone.

I think it used to be that girls would only play flute, clarinet, and maybe French horn. But nowadays, girls do everything. In fact, one year at my school there were twice as many girls on trumpet as guys!

I'd say that your situation is now the exception rather than the rule.

[BlueNote]

There's a young lady in NYC, Chelsea Baratz, who has some nice ideas. She's more in the jazz/hip-hop circle, but can play, for sure.

[lovesthesax]

i've met plenty of female sax players. Never occurred to me that that was a strange thing. They're all really good too... better than me at least.

[gary]

I think it used to be that girls would only play flute, clarinet...

And it was those girl flute and clarinet players that had a role in my leaving teaching years ago. :roll:

[cpete]

I was female last time I checked :)

I saw nothing to indicate otherwise. Was it you that hung your bikini top on my high F?

[cseavoy]

This post made me smile! I'm a female saxophonist and, as far as middle/high school goes, I usually see about half and half as far as male/female. I don't know how it is for college/beyond, but yeah!

[Daveyz]

We have one girl in our section at my school. Ha, poor her!

[saxofpride]

Don't be scared. Someday your friends will want to play too!

[Laurel Moore]

That post has reminded me: when I started playing the tenor sax, I remember feeling so embarassed. It was so big, cumbersome, you could see people thinking why doesn't she just play the flute? It was more unusual years ago. You could see people thinking it was just for image etc, but it never was.
A light just went off in me when I heard or played the sax. It hasn't gone out yet............:shock: I hope it never does.
It doesn't feel so big now. I think that's because it doesn't appear so strange, since there are so many good women sax players out there. I don't feel such an alien now!

[CarlHeanerd]

Hah! I love this topic!!

Well I'm the only sax (of any kind! I am Tenor) PLAYER in my concert band. Chew on that.

But our Jazz ensemble has a girl that doubles on Tenor with me. Kinda timid IMHO. Don't be like her, find your voice and knock the guys dead! A girl with a great and confident tone will de-masculate a guy any day. Happened here in county band. The first tenor (was only first because she auditioned to districts) played louder than I could. She also had this fat done I adored. Obviously I felt mildly embarrassed during that!

6 out of 8 Tenors in Lions band were chicks. That was fun :D

[banesbane]

In my school band, our two second altos are young women and with my private group "sax by popular demand," there are a few in there as well, playing alto and bari.

[MusicMakesSense]

I'm the only chick in my section too!

[SelmerParis]

I played 2nd chair alto in h.s. next to the first chair female. She had a newer, better horn, which is what I always blamed for my being 2nd chair. But the truth was that she was just a better player than I. And a couple years before us, the then-1st chair alto, also female, went on to major in music in college. So when people seemed surprised that you play sax, or any male starts pumping up his chest about men being better sax players, just smile. And mention Grace Kelly (not the actress, but the sax hot rod Grace Kelly) and a handful of so many other great female sax players. You just go girl!

[al9672]

For a while we had more women than guys in the uni jazz ensemble, hopefully it goes back that way soon.
Having all guys is just way to boring (especially as most of us are science/engineering geeks(students and staff))

[Rufusax]

I was female last time I checked :)

Very Nice clip. good playing too..............................

[simon196]

Sorry for being a saxist/sexist but I feel that the sax is a MAN's horn :wink:

Wrong, a BARI is a man's horn

[piwikiwi]

Wrong, a BARI is a shiphorngheghe

[Donna25]

Yep, I getcha. I'm the only girl sax student in my music institute. Never got a nickname though! Hmph! :P

[kilter]

Wrong, a BARI is a man's horn

pff really, you think so?? tell that to this girl: http://www.myspace.com/whoisbettybari

or me even! I play a badass bari. :cool:

[Grumps]

I couldn't help notice at the Sax Symposium this month, that the majority of bari players seemed to be women.

[Bubba06]

Hey bro - er - sis?,

Holy cow this one is popular. Crazy interesting to read.

I totally dig a chicka sax player. I mean... I play a good sax myself, but, there's some chicks I know that really show up at jam's, etc.

Fyi, I'm a sophomore in high school too. There's only one saxchick in our jazz band. Bari player. She's 10 times better than our male bari players. :)

[simon196]

Hey bro - er - sis?,

Holy cow this one is popular. Crazy interesting to read.

I totally dig a chicka sax player. I mean... I play a good sax myself, but, there's some chicks I know that really show up at jam's, etc.

Fyi, I'm a sophomore in high school too. There's only one saxchick in our jazz band. Bari player. She's 10 times better than our male bari players. :)

Nevermind, now i can see a female James Carter on bass lol. True, sax size is no barrier for girls. (not in the negative way i hope)

[MarkVIstud]

Kirsten Edkins is a monster tenor player, graduate from Eastman school of music, shes currently in the Los Angles/Orange County area. Shes one heck of a player.

She graduated from my school long time ago, i forget when like....maybe 1999, 2000? as the only girl in the sax section. killer lead tenor though.