3 Responses

1. scl98029

   November 8th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

   1

   I’m also a flutist in academy band (a year above my grade level), and this year I also decided to audition for my school’s really good jazz band, Jazz I, on drums (I already play in the school’s lower jazz band, Jazz II, on trombone). Flute is in the key of C (concert) but alto saxophone is in Eb, so that means a C on flute would be like an Eb on alto. You’ll need a neck strap (the Neotech soft gel strap is very good), a mouthpiece brush (make sure you buy one for alto and not tenor saxophone or clarinet), and reeds. For reeds, go with a 2-3 strength and get Rico Royal or Van Doren reeds. Rico reeds are really cheap and lousy quality, so avoid those – get Rico ROYAL. A LaVoz IV reed guard is also good, it lets you store four reeds in your case (those plastic holders the reeds in the reed box come in aren’t supposed to be holders). The reeds might stick out a bit since the guard is designed for clarinet. Also, alto compared to flute is pretty heavy, so you might want to consider that. It’s also easy to go sharp or flat on saxophone (mouth position is important). If you do switch, GET A GOOD TEACHER! This is way more important than most people think, and you will improve so much faster. Good luck!

2. na10004da

   November 8th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

   2

   Well, if you play alto, a D would be like an F#. IT’s a 3 1/2 difference. I think. and you’ll need a neck strap, reeds, and a sax. And i play flute and am in a Jazz Band. I don’t know why you wanna switch.

3. kb8mmd1

   November 8th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

   3

   First you use a mouth piece, with an alto sax, along with a Bamboo reed. You use your jaw foe vibrato. Not sure about vibrato for flute. I think it can be done. Both instruments. But I would rather perfect one before I consider the other.