Big band

A big band, also known as a jazz orchestra, is a large musical ensemble that plays swing music.

Saxophone section

The saxophone section (called reeds, sax section, or just 'saxes' for short) usually comprises a first and second altos, a first and second tenors and one baritone.The leader of the section is always the first alto player. Many of the players double on flute or clarinet. Sometimes an alto player may also double on a soprano saxophone.

Related Topics:
Altos - Tenors - Baritone - Double - Soprano

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The baritone may be written to play the lead alto part an octave lower to reinforce the melody and provide an effective '5 part' harmony in close harmony saxophone solis. The baritone saxophone is sometimes written with the trombones, (especially in bands without a bass trombone) to give extra richness at the bottom of the section. On occaisions, the baritone sax can double with the bass player and bass trombone to create very heavy bass lines or riffs.

Related Topics:
Soli - Riff

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The sax section represents the 'backbone' of the wind instruments in that they frequently carry the tune or provide backing harmonies underneath a soloist or section solis. As the saxophone is physically less demanding than brass instruments, they are usually written to play a great deal of the time in typical bigband arrangements. Saxes when playing along with brass in an ensemble are said to 'soften' the sound of the brass but give it support.

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Because of the shape and the fact that the sound emanates from the open keys as well as the bell, a saxophone cannot be muted for effects or volume reduction. It can only be played louder or more softly. Effects in the sax section are provided by using the alternative instruments such as flutes, clarinets, sopranos etc.

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