TENOR SAX - Standard Of Excellence Book 1

Come learn along to this popular band method book - for Tenor Saxophone!

TENOR SAX - Standard Of Excellence... TENOR SAX - Standard Of... TENOR SAX - Standard... Musician's Addition's School
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What you will learn?

Getting Started
Getting Started On Your Tenor Saxophone
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Today, our tenor sax instructor Rick is going to teach how to get started on your tenor saxophone. That includes putting the tenor saxophone together, getting the right reeds and getting the reed prepped for play, why we use a neckstrap, properly adjusting the mouthpiece, and using cork grease. Then we'll go over taking your tenor sax apart and properly cleaning it.

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Page 4
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Today, we're going to be learning from the Standard Of Excellence Book 1 for Tenor saxophone, page 4. We're going to learn how to make a good sound on the sax, where to place our hands, how to read all the symbols in the book, and we're going to learn a play our the first three notes! So grab your tenor saxophone & come practice with me!

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Page 5
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In this lesson, Rick continues with the Standard Of Excellence Book 1 for tenor saxophone on page 5, focusing on learning the sax notes E, D, and C. Before diving into the new notes, Rick reviews some essential tips for setting up your instrument, including proper mouthpiece attachment, neck strap adjustment, and posture. Throughout the lesson, Rick explains musical symbols such as the treble clef, time signature, and staff, ensuring you understand the basics of reading saxophone music. He also demonstrates the correct fingerings for each note and offers helpful tips for achieving the right sound. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to play exercises 1 through 7 on page 5, each designed to help you practice and master the notes E, D, and C. Remember to practice regularly and rewind the video as needed to reinforce your learning.

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Page 6 Standard Of Excellence Book 1 Tenor Sax
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In this lesson, Rick starts us off with some reminders on the importance of posture and getting in a good breath before we play. (if you really want to improve your breathing, check out our newest breathing course! )

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Page 7
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Join Rick as he dives into another informative session on mastering the tenor saxophone. In this video, Rick provides essential tips on how to achieve a good sound, a crucial aspect of playing the saxophone that will make your practice sessions enjoyable and your performance a delight to listen to.

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Page 8
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Today, we're diving into page 8 from the Standard Of Excellence Book 1 for tenor Sax, where we introduce some fundamental concepts in music notation and playing techniques, such as Understanding and identifying quarter notes and quarter rests, tonguing technique, Writing and counting rhythms, and Detailed guidance on playing exercises 15 through 22.

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Page 9
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Today, we're diving into page 9 of the tenor saxophone book. Here's what you'll learn in this video: πŸ”Ή New Terms & Symbols: Discover the repeat sign and fermata, and learn how they affect your playing. πŸ”Ή Song Practice: We'll play through "Merrily We Roll Along" (also known as "Mary Had a Little Lamb") and explore tips for practicing it effectively. πŸ”Ή Duet Fun: Learn to play both parts of "Lightly Row," a beautiful duet that introduces the concept of harmony. πŸ”Ή Fingering Techniques: Tips on moving your fingers correctly to avoid squeaks and ensure smooth transitions between notes. πŸ”Ή Rhythm Practice: We'll clap the rhythms and play "One Step at a Time" to improve your timing. πŸ”Ή Holiday Song: Enjoy playing "Good King Wenceslas," a classic holiday tune. πŸ”Ή Advanced Exercises: Practice skipping notes and creating your own melodies in "Song of the Fjords" and "Go for Excellence."

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Page 10
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In this video, Rick takes you through page 10 of the Tenor Saxophone Method Book. We cover essential concepts like ties and new notes, and explore various exercises to improve your skills.

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Page 11
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Today, we're learning page 11 of the Standard of Excellence tenor saxophone book 1. In this video, we'll cover key signatures, introduce new notes, and work through exercises 36 to 41.

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Page 12 & 13
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In this session, we dive into pages 12 and 13 from the Standard of Excellence tenor saxophone book. This lesson focuses on playing with other instruments, understanding harmonization, and learning new notes and rhythms.

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Page 14
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🎷 Welcome back to Musician's Addition! In today's session, Rick takes us through page 14 for the tenor saxophone. πŸ“–

In this video, we'll dive into:

- Reed Upgrades: Tips on when to switch to a stiffer reed for better sound and durability.

- Reed Maintenance: Identifying signs of wear and damage on your reeds.

- Counting Techniques: Writing in the counting for exercises to improve your rhythm.

- Practical Playthroughs: Step-by-step playthroughs of exercises 50 to 55.

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Page 15
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In this lesson, Rick takes you through page 15 from the Standard Of Excellence Book 1 for Tenor Sax. We introduce and explain two essential musical concepts: slurs and pickup notes.

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Page 16
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Today we dive into page 16 from the Standard of Excellence Tenor Sax book 1! In this video, we cover essential concepts like the flat sign, what a half step means, and how to play the B flat note. Rick provides detailed demonstrations and tips on fingering techniques, emphasizing the importance of correct hand positioning. We also explore key signatures, slurs, and the correct way to count rhythms out loud. Whether you're new to the saxophone or refining your skills, this lesson will help you play confidently and correctly. Don't forget to practice along with the exercises and stay tuned for the next lesson!

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Page 17
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Join Rick from Musician's Addition as he dives into page 17 of the Standard of Excellence tenor saxophone book 1! In this video, you'll explore key musical concepts such as the dotted half note, time signatures, and dynamics, all essential for mastering the tenor saxophone. Rick guides you through several exercises, including "Channel Three," "Down in the Valley," and more, helping you improve your technique and musical understanding. Perfect for students looking to enhance their skills with the Standard of Excellence series. Don't forget to practice and have fun! 🎷

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Page 18
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In this video, Rick guides you through page 18 of Standard of Excellence Book 1 for Tenor Saxophone. Today, we’ll cover essential topics like the natural sign, which cancels a flat or sharp, and how it affects the notes in a measure. You'll also learn about the lower B-flat and how to finger it properly without the octave key. Rick provides useful tips for handling slurs, dynamics, and avoiding common mistakes when transitioning between notes like B-flat and C. This tutorial includes exercises #74 through #79 to help you improve your technique and musicality. Don't forget to practice slowly, focus on your fingerings, and have fun!

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Page 19
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In this video, Rick takes you through Page 19 of the Standard of Excellence Book 1 for Tenor Sax. We’ll cover key topics such as maintaining your reed, cleaning your mouthpiece, and new concepts like accents, first and second endings, and more. Follow along as we explore exercises like the Mexican Hat Dance, Frère Jacques, and Morning Mood—complete with tips on dynamics and technique.

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Page 22
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In this video, Rick from Musician's Addition takes you through page 22 of the Standard of Excellence for tenor saxophone. We're making great progress, and it's important to keep practicing consistently to improve your skills and enjoy playing even more! Today’s focus is on proper tonguing technique, emphasizing the importance of continuous airflow. You'll also review familiar notes like A and G, and learn new concepts, including high B and C, as well as practicing scales and arpeggios. Follow along for tips on mastering dynamics and practicing effectively.

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Sawmill Creek
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In this video, Rick from Musician’s Addition walks you through Page 20, Sawmill Creek, of the Standard of Excellence Book 1 for Tenor Saxophone, with a focus on the solo for tenor saxophone accompanied by optional piano. This page, featuring "Sawmill Creek," offers a unique practice opportunity with both tenor saxophone and piano parts displayed side by side, perfect for collaborative practice with a pianist or solo work.

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Montego Bay & Regal March
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In this tenor saxophone tutorial, Rick from Musician’s Addition covers page 21 of the Standard of Excellence Book 1 for tenor sax. We'll dive into the band arrangements for "Montego Bay" and "Regal March," where Rick discusses essential playing techniques, including handling long rests, repeat signs, and dynamics. Both Montego Bay & Regal March are band arrangements, so know your part and get ready to play along with the rest of the band!

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Page 23
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In this lesson, we’ll cover:

βœ… Understanding sharps: What they are and how they affect notes.

βœ… How to play F-sharp: Fingering, alternate options, and tips for clean transitions.

βœ… Key exercises and songs like "Aura Lee," "This Old Man," and more!

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Page 24
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In this video, we explore Standard of Excellence Page 24, breaking down key concepts and exercises to help you improve your playing. Here's what you'll learn: DC al Fine: What it means and how to follow it in your music. New notes and fingerings introduced on this page, including F natural and F sharp. How to navigate accidentals and key signatures with confidence. Warm-ups and exercises from #99 to #105, including "Roses from the South" and "Theme from Hansel and Gretel." Tips for mastering transitions like B natural to B flat and alternate F sharp fingerings.

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About the course

In this course, we're going to be learning along to the Standard Of Excellence Book 1 for Tenor Saxophone. It'll feel just like a private lesson as we play and learn along together. 

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About the teacher

Rick Nolting

Tenor Sax Instructor

Rick Nolting has been playing saxophone and teaching saxophone as a private teacher and as a high school band director for many years. Rick is very passionate about reed instruments and making music education more accessible. 

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