National Saxophone Day

By Diane Forrest,

When my son was in school he had to take an extra curriculum activity, so he chose band.  He wanted to play the drums, but his band director had other plans.  He gave him the saxophone to try and it ended up being a great choice.  He went on to play in the school's marching band and even learned a letter jacket for his participation in the band.  When his bandleader retired, so did my son and he went on to discover football.

There is another saxophone player who is known for accomplishments other that his saxophone skills.  His name is Bill Clinton, former President of the United States.  I remember watching him on late night television show while he was running for President.  He pulled out his saxophone on several occasions delighting the viewer’s.

I would guess the most famous saxophone player is Kenny G.  Kenny G is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era, with global sales totaling more than 75 million albums.  I even have a few of his albums.  It is so nice and relaxing to soak in a warm bubble bath, drinking a glass of wine and listening to the soothing sounds of soft saxophone music.

The saxophone, which was invented by Adolphe Sax from Belgium in 1846, is a member of the woodwind family.  It was developed for military bands.  While proving to be extremely popular in the military bands, today they are mostly associated with Jazz and Classical music.  If you were to walk in the Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, it would not be an odd site to see someone leaning against a wall, playing a sax.

Today is National Saxophone Day, to celebrate why not listen to some Kenny G in a nice bubble bath, but if watching movies is more your style, I would recommend a 1980's flick called Eddie and the Cruisers.  It’s a great movie about a 50's band getting started and includes alot of great songs featuring Wendell, the saxophone player.  His name is Michael 'Tunes' Attunes and plays for the Beaver Brown Band.