Saxophone

Basic Facts About Saxophones

• The saxophone is named after it's inventor Adolphe Sax.
• The mouthpiece attached to the saxophone is called the reed.
• The saxophone is made in eight sizes.
• The saxophone is usually played in jazz and pop music.
• The saxophone is made out of brass but classified as a woodwind instrument.
• Some types of saxophones are the soprillo, subcontrabass and alto saxophone.
• The saxophone became popular in military marching bands.

Famous Saxophone Players Include:

• John Coltrane
• Charlie Parker
• Stan Getz
• Coleman Randolf Hawkins
• Lester Prez Young
• James Moody
• Kenny G

Saxophone Coloring Page: http://www.hellokids.com/c_19328/coloring

<---Alto Saxophone

<---Soprillo Saxophone

<---John Coltrane

<---Kenny G

A video of a guy playing the alto and tenor saxophone to the popular song "Halo" by Beyonce.

Guitar

Basic Facts About Guitars

• Guitars were first played in Spain in the 14th Century.
• The guitar was developed out of an instrument called a vihuela.
• Guitars have six single strings or double sets of strings.
• The smallest guitar in the world is 10 micrometres long with strings 50 nanometers.
• The two major types of guitars are acoustic guitars and electric guitars.
• Many cultures have developed their own version of the guitar and use different names for the instrument.

Famous Guitarists Include:

• B.B. King
• Carlos Santana
• Eddie Van Halen
• Eric Clapton
• Jimi Hendrix
• Keith Richards
• Kurt Cobain
• Tom Petty

A fun computer game involving guitars:

http://www.kongregate.com/games/Shinki/super-crazy-guitar-maniac-deluxe-2

<----Acoustic Guitar

<---Electric Guitar

<--Musician B.B. King

<---Country singer

 Taylor Swift

A great part about learning to play an instrument such as the guitar is getting the chance to share your music with others. Enjoy this clip from the movie August Rush in which Louis and his son Evan play their guitars together.