Saxophone is NOT aClarinet

Rhett BenderYamaha Performing Artist

Professor of MusicSouthern Oregon University

Air Stream• Saxophone uses a wide, warm air stream

with a large volume of air but not as high pressure as most wind instruments.

• Fill the saxophone with air

• Clarinet, like flute, uses a high pressure concentrated air stream, like a spray can.

• Blow across the clarinet reed, not into the clarinet

Mouthpiece pitch

• Saxophone mouthpiece pitch is not the highest possible pitch–closer to the lowest pitch.

• Clarinet is the highest comfortable pitch.

Mouthpiece Pitch

• Alto saxophone concert A

• Tenor saxophone concert G

• Baritone saxophone concert D

• Bb Soprano saxophone concert C

• Bb Clarinet concert C

Embouchure

• Saxophone embouchure is round, equal pressure around the mouthpiece. Lips are like a rubber band.

• Clarinet has a pointed chin–shaving position. The jaw is firm.

• With clarinet the pressure is caused by wedge shaped object pushed into the mouth.

Throat/Tongue Position

• Saxophone tongue position is lower to accommodate wider-warmer air stream, similar to classical singing.

• Clarinet position is higher to create a fast, concentrated air stream. “heeeeeee”

• The tip of the tongue is used to stop the reed for both the saxophone and clarinet.

Mouthpiece angle

• The saxophone enters the mouth straight and perpendicular to teeth–like oboe or bassoon.

• The clarinet instrument body is 45º with the body. Mouthpiece pries teeth apart.

Articulation

• The tongue operates basically the same for both taking into account the different angle of mouthpiece.

• Larger mouthpieces (tenor, baritone, bass) take more room in the mouth and push tongue farther back.

Hand Position

• The saxophone should be supported by a neck strap not right hand. Fingers keep a natural, curved position.

• The clarinet right hand holds entire weight of clarinet. Finger tips must be flat enough to cover holes.

Finger Technique

• The saxophone has no holes to cover with finger tips. Finger tips may rest on pearls for quicker technique. Technique is heavier and firmer.

• Clarinets have open holes to cover. Fingers must move far enough away from holes to not cover sound or affect pitch.

Left Hand Thumb

• Saxophone is always resting on thumb rest

• Clarinet has three different positions

Reeds

• Saxophone are wider and shorter

• Clarinet are longer and narrower

Mouthpiece

• Saxophone mouthpiece is wider and shorter, with an incredible variety.

• Clarinet mouthpieces are narrower and longer with subtle differences.

Stylistic differences

• Concert saxophone note lengths tend to be longer and not clipped or stopped by the tongue.

• Jazz saxophone frequently stop notes with the tongue.

• Clarinet notes are often short, more separated and more often stopped by the tongue.

Vibrato

• Saxophone vibrato is an accepted part of the saxophone sound. Most saxophonists use the jaw.

• Clarinet vibrato is used more than in the past but always added to a note–never part of the sound. May be produced with the jaw or diaphragm. Jaw vibrato is different because of the mouthpiece angle.

Benefits of Doubling

• Saxophonist learn a flexibility of embouchure, air stream and throat position

• Study woodwind repertoire on the original instrument–not a transcription

• Clarinetists can play in jazz band and saxophonist can play in the orchestra.

• Money–employability

Saxophone Mouthpieces

• Alto: Vandoren AL3 Optimum or Rousseau NC4

• Tenor: Rousseau NC4 or Vandoren Optimum TL3

• Baritone: Rousseau 4R

• Soprano: Rousseau NC4

• Ligature BG tradition

Tag by Eric StokesLogic realization and performance by Rhett Bender

The playerʼs role is based on the many aspects of “tag” none of which should overshadow the others in the performance as one who is tagged; who “tags” others; who “tags along;” who is caught i.e. who is “it;” who exults in eluding the others; who enjoys the play; who hides; who listens for the others; who is surprised in his hiding etc.

“Tag” (noun)1. A strip of something attached to an object for purposes of labeling or identification; 2. A rag, a tatter;3. The refrain or last lines of a song or poem4. In writing, an ornamental flourish at the end of a signature or saying.5. The contrastingly colored tip of an animalʼs tail.6. The last part of something, a remnant as in “tag–end”7. A brief quotation at the end of a speech, play or tale.8. A game in which one who is “it” pursues the others until he is able to touch one of them, who then

becomes “it.”9. The rabble as in “rag–tag.”

“Tag” (verb)1. To touch another player in a game.2. In baseball, to touch a base with one foot before running to the next base; to “tag up.”3. In baseball, to touch another player with the ball or the glove in which the ball is held; to tag one “out.”4. To follow someone or something closely; to “tag along after.”5. To charge someone with a crime