I honestly noticed very little difference with my playing when I got my braces off. In fact, I would even say that if there was a difference, it was that my tone improved! Then again, I'm sure that was more the result of practice!
Anyways...updates...
Bought a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE to replace the mazda. A nice upgrade.
Bought an early 1920s Lyon and Healy C-Melody from Dr. Sax Woodwinds in Madison, WI. It's a Buescher Stencil, and the body of the horn looked miserable when I bought it, although the pads were in good shape (had been repadded). I had the High F pad replaced, bent one key slightly to fix a leak, and had a great horn. I also polished her up, and electrostatically replated the areas where the silver had been worn off. Right now I've got several keys off for more cleaning, but when I'm done I'll post pics. I'm really enjoying playing C-Mel, it's no alto, but I may actually like it better than Bb Tenor.
I finally fixed my soprano. The octave key had been messed up, and I took it apart a few months ago. Required some bending, and oiling, and assorted adjustment, but I got her playable. I really need to get a good new or vintage sop soon...Need to get a Bb Tenor first though! I've rather enjoyed the C-melody refurb, and am knowledgeable on repadding and assorted sax repair. Maybe I'll find a good "project horn" to work on.
Just won an audition for a fun sax solo with my marching band. We're doing a Fiesta/Latin/Spanish themed show, and one of our songs is an arrangement of a Chick Corea piece, La Fiesta. Should be a fun solo.
I also just got a request to play sax with a band at the school talent show. I've never been too interested in Talent Shows, since most of the people performing don't have talent, but the group that asked me is fairly good, so I said I'd do it. The song they're playing is called "Here We Go" by Dispatch. I'm not exactly into that genre of music, but it should be an interesting experience. The original sax solo on it was played by Craig Dreyer, on tenor. So, I'll either have fun and play it on C-Mel, borrow my friend's Mark VI, or change it up and use an alto or sop. Since I don't have sheet music, I'll just go with whatever I feel like! 😛
The past week I've been doing Marching Band stuff all day. It's been tiring, but I'm really enjoying being the saxophone section leader. The sax players this year are quick to learn, and very friendly. I've been getting compliments from the staff saying that the saxes have been by far the most prepared section this year. Makes me proud of them, and myself 🙂. During our lunch break, I've taken to practicing in the local woods. Very relaxing.
I've already been approached on if I'm interested in playing the sax part for the school musical this coming year. I think they're trying to get to me early, as last year I toyed with them a bit as to if I would do it or not. We had originally planned on doing "Chicago," but we couldn't get the rights to it. The next choice is "Cabaret," which I've never seen. The past three years I've done "The Hot Mikado," "West Side Story," and "Grease."
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