Saxophones are a very popular instrument, having uses in many genres of music, from Classical to Jazz and Rock. Saxophones are often featured in “big band” music.”Big Band” music often features the saxophone. The typical “big band” sax section consists of two altos, two tenors, and a baritone. Any of the saxophonists may double on other woodwind instruments

Here are a few ideas for learning the names of the saxophone family. Students can be divided into groups of four Distribute any remainders into other groups to make a few groups of five. Ask students to arrange themselves by height within each group, and then make cards or labels for a saxophone corresponding to their size – soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone (continuing on to bass saxophone for groups of five). Therefore the tallest student will be the baritone or bass saxophone, the next largest the tenor, etc

Repeat the exercise with other attributes – birthday, shoe size, length of hair, etc.

If the students can read notes, distribute pieces of paper with single notes on them, and ask the students in each group to arrange the notes from lowest to highest and match them to the appropriate saxophones. This can take a large part of your music lesson plan for a saxophone lesson.

Students may respond to completing some of these tasks without speaking for a quieter classroom and an extra challenge.

Suggested Listening: Duke Ellington, Three Suites album. Sony / BMG Custom Marketing Group 723866. This Contains a big-band jazz arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite.

Have fun making this simple single reed instrument You will need: plastic combs and pieces of paper, about 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). To play it simply place the paper on the comb in line with the teeth and hold it with your thumbs. Simply blow to make a sound with your lips around the paper and the comb. Students will come to understand the idea of a single reed vibrating with this activity

Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. Alternatively, assign these musicians to groups of students for short-term projects and have them give presentations.

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago While a teenager he learned the clarinet very quickly and became a professional musician In New York City in the twenties and thirties Goodman led his own band. They played a style of jazz called Swing, and Benny became known as “The King of Swing.” Benny Goodman is known as one of the best jazz clarinetists of all timse, as he continued to make recordings for the rest of his life He was one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to the classical realm and make recordings of well known classical pieces.

An important English Clarinetist was Thea King (1925-2007) She was the principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999, and played with many other groups. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”

Richard Stoltzman (born 1942) is a well known American classical clarinetist. He has also made some jazz recordings. He majored in both music and mathematics at Ohio State University. He is in high demand as a clarinet soloist with orchestras around the world.

Sabine Meyer, a German clarinetist born in 1959, was the first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic. She soon left when the other members didn’t accept her to become a full time clarinet soloist. She is also an accomplished Chamber Music player.

You can Make rudimentary single-reed instruments. You will need: plastic combs and pieces of paper, about 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). Instructions: Hold a comb with the teeth pointed toward you. Place a piece of paper on the comb in line with the edge of the teeth and hold it in place with your thumbs. Simply blow to make a sound with your lips around the paper and the comb. This activity should make clear the concept of a single reed vibrating to create sound.

Here are some great clarinet players that you can talk about in music class Alternatively, assign these musicians to groups of students for short-term projects and have them give presentations.

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago While a teenager he learned the clarinet very quickly and became a professional musician In New York City in the twenties and thirties Goodman led his own band. Goodman even became known as “The King of Swing” as his music was very popular during the swing era Goodman continued to play and make recordings for the rest of his life, and is one of the best known jazz clarinetists of all time. He also crossed over to make some recordings of the classical repertoire.

These are just a few ideas for music lesson planning available at the fun music company.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She played with many different groups, but perhaps her most significant position was principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999. She became “Dame Thea King” when she was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985.

A well known American classical clarinetist is Richard Stoltzman. He has made both classical and jazz recordings Studying at Ohio State University, he majored in both Music and Mathematics He is in high demand as a clarinet soloist with orchestras around the world.

The first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic was a german clarinetist, Sabine Meyer The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also very involved in chamber music (music for a small group of players).

Have fun making this simple single reed instrument You will need: plastic combs and pieces of paper, about 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). Instructions: Hold a comb with the teeth pointed toward you. Place a piece of paper on the comb in line with the edge of the teeth and hold it in place with your thumbs. Place your lips around the paper and comb and blow to make a sound. Students will come to understand the idea of a single reed vibrating with this activity

Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. You could also give the students a class project to learn about one or more of these musicians/

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. Goodman was born in Chicago to Hungarian Jewish immigrants. While a teenager he learned the clarinet very quickly and became a professional musician Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. They played a style of jazz called Swing, and Benny became known as “The King of Swing.” Goodman continued to play and make recordings for the rest of his life, and is one of the best known jazz clarinetists of all time. He also crossed over to make some recordings of the classical repertoire.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She was the principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999, and played with many other groups. She became “Dame Thea King” when she was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985.

A well known American classical clarinetist is Richard Stoltzman. He has also made some jazz recordings. Studying at Ohio State University, he majored in both Music and Mathematics Orchestras around the world would love to have him as soloist

The first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic was a german clarinetist, Sabine Meyer The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also an accomplished Chamber Music player.

You can Make rudimentary single-reed instruments. Gather the following pieces of paper and plastic combs, about 5cm x 5cm (two inches by two inches) To play it simply place the paper on the comb in line with the teeth and hold it with your thumbs. Simply blow to make a sound with your lips around the paper and the comb. Students will come to understand the idea of a single reed vibrating with this activity

Here are some great clarinet players that you can talk about in music class You could also give the students a class project to learn about one or more of these musicians/

Benny Goodman (1909-1986) was an American clarinetist best known for his jazz playing. Goodman was born in Chicago to Hungarian Jewish immigrants. He learned the clarinet very quickly and worked as a professional musician while still a teenager. Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. Goodman even became known as “The King of Swing” as his music was very popular during the swing era Benny Goodman is known as one of the best jazz clarinetists of all timse, as he continued to make recordings for the rest of his life He was one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to the classical realm and make recordings of well known classical pieces.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She played with many different groups, but perhaps her most significant position was principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”

Richard Stoltzman (born 1942) is a well known American classical clarinetist. He has made both classical and jazz recordings Studying at Ohio State University, he majored in both Music and Mathematics Orchestras around the world would love to have him as soloist

The first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic was a german clarinetist, Sabine Meyer The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also very involved in chamber music (music for a small group of players).

These are just a few ideas taken from the fun music company’s music lesson plans on instruments of the orchestra.

A simple single reed instrument can easily be made in the classroom You will need: pieces of paper and plastic combs, about 5cm x 5cm (two inches by two inches) Instructions: Hold a comb with the teeth pointed toward you. Place a piece of paper on the comb in line with the edge of the teeth and hold it in place with your thumbs. Simply blow to make a sound with your lips around the paper and the comb. This activity should make clear the concept of a single reed vibrating to create sound.

Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. You could also give the students a class project to learn about one or more of these musicians/

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago He learned the clarinet very quickly and worked as a professional musician while still a teenager. Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. Goodman even became known as “The King of Swing” as his music was very popular during the swing era Benny Goodman is known as one of the best jazz clarinetists of all timse, as he continued to make recordings for the rest of his life He was one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to the classical realm and make recordings of well known classical pieces.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She played with many different groups, but perhaps her most significant position was principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”

Richard Stoltzman (born 1942) is a well known American classical clarinetist. He has made both classical and jazz recordings Studying at Ohio State University, he majored in both Music and Mathematics He is in high demand as a clarinet soloist with orchestras around the world.

Sabine Meyer, a German clarinetist born in 1959, was the first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic. The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also very involved in chamber music (music for a small group of players).

Have fun making this simple single reed instrument Gather the following plastic combs and pieces of paper, about 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). To play it simply place the paper on the comb in line with the teeth and hold it with your thumbs. Simply blow to make a sound with your lips around the paper and the comb. Students will come to understand the idea of a single reed vibrating with this activity.

These are just a few ideas for music lesson planning available at the fun music company.

Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. You could also give the students a class project to learn about one or more of these musicians/

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago He learned the clarinet very quickly and worked as a professional musician while still a teenager. In New York City in the twenties and thirties Goodman led his own band. Goodman even became known as “The King of Swing” as his music was very popular during the swing era Goodman continued to play and make recordings for the rest of his life, and is one of the best known jazz clarinetists of all time. He was one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to the classical realm and make recordings of well known classical pieces.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She played with many different groups, but perhaps her most significant position was principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999. She became “Dame Thea King” when she was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985.

Richard Stoltzman (born 1942) is a well known American classical clarinetist. He has also made some jazz recordings. He majored in both music and mathematics at Ohio State University. He is in high demand as a clarinet soloist with orchestras around the world.

The first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic was a german clarinetist, Sabine Meyer The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also very involved in chamber music (music for a small group of players).

A simple single reed instrument can easily be made in the classroom Gather the following pieces of paper and plastic combs, about 5cm x 5cm (two inches by two inches) Instructions: Hold a comb with the teeth pointed toward you. Place a piece of paper on the comb in line with the edge of the teeth and hold it in place with your thumbs. Place your lips around the paper and comb and blow to make a sound. This activity should make clear the concept of a single reed vibrating to create sound.

Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. Alternatively, assign these musicians to groups of students for short-term projects and have them give presentations.

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago While a teenager he learned the clarinet very quickly and became a professional musician Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. Goodman even became known as “The King of Swing” as his music was very popular during the swing era Goodman continued to play and make recordings for the rest of his life, and is one of the best known jazz clarinetists of all time. He was one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to the classical realm and make recordings of well known classical pieces.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She was the principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999, and played with many other groups. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”

A well known American classical clarinetist is Richard Stoltzman. He has also made some jazz recordings. He majored in both music and mathematics at Ohio State University. Orchestras around the world would love to have him as soloist

Sabine Meyer, a German clarinetist born in 1959, was the first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic. The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also an accomplished Chamber Music player.

Have fun making this simple single reed instrument You will need: pieces of paper and plastic combs, about 5cm x 5cm (two inches by two inches) Instructions: Hold a comb with the teeth pointed toward you. Place a piece of paper on the comb in line with the edge of the teeth and hold it in place with your thumbs. Place your lips around the paper and comb and blow to make a sound. This activity should make clear the concept of a single reed vibrating to create sound.

Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. Alternatively, assign these musicians to groups of students for short-term projects and have them give presentations.

An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago He learned the clarinet very quickly and worked as a professional musician while still a teenager. Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. They played a style of jazz called Swing, and Benny became known as “The King of Swing.” Benny Goodman is known as one of the best jazz clarinetists of all timse, as he continued to make recordings for the rest of his life He also crossed over to make some recordings of the classical repertoire.

Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She played with many different groups, but perhaps her most significant position was principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”

Richard Stoltzman (born 1942) is a well known American classical clarinetist. He has made both classical and jazz recordings Studying at Ohio State University, he majored in both Music and Mathematics Orchestras around the world would love to have him as soloist

Sabine Meyer, a German clarinetist born in 1959, was the first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic. She soon left when the other members didn’t accept her to become a full time clarinet soloist. She is also very involved in chamber music (music for a small group of players).

These are just a few ideas taken from the fun music company’s music lesson plans on instruments of the orchestra.