Saxes

The saxophone, often shortened to sax, is a family of musical instruments developed by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. It is a woodwind instrument, despite being made of brass, because sound is produced by the vibration of a single reed attached to a mouthpiece. Saxophones are known for their rich, often expressive tone and are used in a wide variety of musical genres, including classical music, jazz, blues, pop, and military band music.

There are many different types of saxophones, but the most common are the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. The soprano saxophone is the smallest and highest-pitched, often played straight. The alto saxophone is the most common type, pitched in E flat. The tenor saxophone, pitched in B flat, is larger and lower in pitch than the alto. The baritone saxophone is the largest and lowest-pitched of the common saxophones, also pitched in E flat.

The saxophone's fingering system is largely based on that of the oboe, making it relatively accessible to players with experience on other woodwind instruments. Its versatility and powerful sound have made it a staple in ensembles and as a solo instrument. Adolphe Sax patented his invention in 1846, and it quickly gained popularity in military bands before finding its place in other musical settings.