Live recordings of saxophonist James Barger and saxophone-related educational content. Dr. Barger is the Associate Professor of Saxophone at West Texas A&M University and proudly endorses Selmer Paris Saxophones and D'Addario reeds.
Thanks James! I'm also a sax player and was trying in vain to sync our bands video with separate audio, but thanks to your video I've just done it...Cheers! Simon.
Absolutely, great question! Achieving an ideal embouchure is key for saxophonists. Here are some things that I think about in terms of embouchure. Ensure that your top teeth are firmly planted on the top of the mouthpiece. This provides stability and a consistent point of contact for control. Shape your lips into a round and slightly wrinkled formation, as if you were saying "oooh." This helps create a good seal on the mouthpiece, contributing to a clear and resonant sound. Imagine your embouchure as a drawstring bag with equal pressure from all sides. Focus on engaging the muscles in the corners of your embouchure, extending from the corners of your lips up to your cheeks, hugging them to the cheekbones. Keep your jaw open and relaxed, avoiding any upward pressure under the lower lip. Keep the airstream fast, focused, and cool.
Hey Jim, the piece is about three conflicting personalities that are rarely in harmony with each other, however they come together in the middle section for a brief moment of resolution and understanding. The title of the composition comes from the Al Dexter song by the same name. We hope that you enjoyed the performance!
I like your work for the accompanist! It has help me, especially with Sacramouche and the Creston Sonata. Any chance you can potentially do the Glazunov concerto 👀
Hey there - Thanks a bunch for your kind words and support and I'm thrilled to hear that my accompaniment tracks have been helpful! As for the Glazunov concerto, it's on my list and I may or may not have already started working on it... 👀 It's going to take a while, but keep an eye out for updates!
