The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841, and patented in 1846 in two groups of seven instruments each. Each series consisted of instruments of various sizes in alternating transposition. The series pitched in B flat and E flat, designed for military bands, has proved extremely popular and most saxophones encountered today are from this series. A few saxophones remain from the less popular orchestral series pitched in C and F.

A 35 piece military band will normally include:

•  2x alto saxophones and 1x tenor saxophone

A 49 piece military band will normally have an addition of a Bari saxophone.

While proving very popular in its intended niche of military band music, the saxophone is most commonly associated with popular music, big band music, blues, and particularly jazz. There is also a substantial repertoire of concert music in the classical idiom for the members of the saxophone family.

The quartet

The saxophone quartet is another option in the small ensemble area that most Bands in the Corps of Army Music can supply.

The quartet will consist of:

• Soprano saxophone
• Alto saxophone
• Tenor saxophone
• Bari saxophone

The ensemble is ideally suited for:

• Dinner nights
• Background music
• Weddings music
• Cocktail parties

A saxophone quartet can perform many different genres of music:

• Jazz
• Classical arrangements
• Show music
• Popular song
• Film music
• Original works