Fun Facts About the Saxophone
- A U.S. patent was filed for the saxophone on May 17th, 1846
- The saxophone was invented in 1840 by Belgian musician Adolphe Joseph Sax
- When he was 2 years old, he fell out of a second story window and fractured his skull.
- When he was 6 years old, he mistakenly drank boric acid.
- When he was 9 years old, he fell over a small cliff and broke his leg.
- When he was 11 years old, he contracted measles and was in a coma for nine days.
- When he was 14 years old, he broke his arm when he caught it in a carriage door.
- When he was 19 years old, he was struck on the head by a falling brick.
- When he was 23 years old, he almost died from the effects of tainted wine.
- When he was 29 years old, he invented the Saxophone
- The saxophone has become associated with mostly with American music
- Their are five main types of saxophones. They are called, from highest sounding to lowest, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone and Bass.
- Blind saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk was known to play multiple saxophones at the same time, essentially becoming a one-man saxophone section.
- The saxophone was originally meant to be played in classical ensembles and concert bands, but it is now more closely associated with jazz, rock and funk bands.
- Many famous musicians have played the saxophone including John Coltrane, Kenny G, Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band and LeRoi Moore of the Dave Matthews Band.
- Circular breathing is used by saxophonists to hold long, uninterrupted notes. The most famous circular breathing saxophonist is Kenny G who once held a single uninterrupted note for 45 minutes without stopping.