Beginning Band: How to Care for the Saxophone

INTRODUCTION

Saxophonist Chris Dickhaus will walk you through the basics of putting together your saxophone and taking care of it.

STEP-BY-STEP instructions

• Start by putting on the neck strap.

• Carefully slide a reed out of its case and put it in your mouth to soak.

• While soaking the reed, take out the neck and mouthpiece.

• Twist the mouthpiece onto the neck.

• Hold the neck with your left hand and apply your reed to the mouthpiece.

• Slide the ligature over the mouthpiece with your right hand until it is just past the ledge on the reed.

• Tighten the ligature until the reed is secure. You want a hairline of black from the mouthpiece showing just above the reed.

• Grab the saxophone and take off the end cap if you have one. Add the neck so the octave key at the top of the saxophone lines up with the angle of the neck.

• Tighten the screw until it is secure but not too tight.

• After practicing, disassemble the instrument in reverse order. Take care to protect the reed by putting it back in its case before packing up the rest of the saxophone.

Print this and keep it in your case or band folder!