[Don Earnhardt]

Jak, I have added two more horns to the collection since this photo. An alto and a tenor, both SML Gold Medals, the alto from 1956 and the tenor from 1959. I plan to take a photo of the “twins” and post it too. Cannot seem to commit myself to a bari. Expensive, and big and heavy to haul around and play.

[Don Earnhardt]

Jazz Cat,

How about a pic of your horns? I have always been intrigued by the C-Melody horns but have not seen one in person nor had the chance to play one. Do they require mouthpieces and reeds specifically for C-Melody, or are they the same as a tenor? Was always curious about that. Also wondered what part you might play if you played a C-Melody in a band. Other than flute, I’m not aware of other instruments that play in C, and the range of a flute probably exceeds that of a C-Melody saxophone. Would be easy to share music with a piano however.

Looks like you and I are both missing a baritone. I have been considering buying one of those, but they are quite expensive. I keep looking for a deal.

Don

[Don Earnhardt]

Richard,

No I am definitely not a pro. My formal music education does not go beyond high school, but I have been playing off and on for well over 50 years and have gained experience by playing as much as possible and playing with people that are better than me. During a period of time while I was still working, I did not play at all – about 19 years. Now that I have retired and have a lot of opportunity to participate in many types of bands in the area where I live, I have really focused on playing as much as possible. I have the time to devote to music that I was forced to sacrifice while I was working. I have even gotten my wife into playing saxophone and she has been playing about 3 years now and is progressing quite well. In the various bands we play in, we have rehearsals at least 3-4 times a week and then concerts in addition to, but less frequently than the rehearsals. so we play a lot and I hope to play even more in 2016.

I hope you continue to play and that you have many opportunities to participate with other musicians like I have been able to do. Music has been a major source of joy in my life since I began back in the 5th grade. Music is something you can continue throughout your life unlike sports that require the strength and agility only younger people have.

Good luck to you, and keep working on your skills,
Don

[Don Earnhardt]

Michael, what a great experience you described. If you are not playing with a group of some sort, I think it would be great for you to do so. That would provide additional social contacts as well as a wider musical exposure. I don’t know where you live but you might want to check to see if there is a New Horizons group near you. These bands are for adults who have not played in many years due to family and career obligations, or for new players just getting started, or more experienced players who are looking for an adult group to play with. You can learn more about the New Horizons International Music Association at the following link:

http://newhorizonsmusic.org

The organization was founded in 1991 by Roy Ernst, PHD, professor emeritus of the Eastman School of Music at Rochester University in Rochester NY. Today there are well over 200 New Horizons groups in the US, Canada, and six other countries (at the web site, click on Music Groups on the menu on the left side of the screen to see them all). It really is a terrific organization. Many groups have band camps, usually in the summer, where anyone can attend, even if you are not a member of NHIMA, or a related group. The organization recognizes that social activities are important and each group usually has some way to support social interactions in addition to the music.

In our area we are very fortunate to have two New Horizons bands, both directed by maestro Peter Perret who really understands the value of music to brain activity. In fact, he co-wrote a book called A Well-Tempered Mind; Using Music to Help Children Listen and Learn. Here is a link to see more information about Peter:

http://www.danvillesymphony.net/Conductor.htm

I wish you luck and continued progress.

[Don Earnhardt]

Yes, they are mine. From left to right: Tenors- Yanagisawa T991, Selmer Mark VI, circa 1968; Altos- Yamaha Custom Z, Yanagisawa A880, Yanagisawa A992, Selmer Reference 54; Soprano- Yanagisawa SC991. I play alto mostly, and my favorite alto is the Yani A992. My wife started playing a few years ago and she is playing the Yani A880 which I have owned since the late 80s. I bought the Mk VI tenor in about 1970, it was a couple years old at the time.

Have been considering buying a Bari (never played one before), but the prices are quite high. Maybe I should trade an alto or two for a bari.

[Don Earnhardt]

[Don Earnhardt]

I have a Jody Jazz DV for alto and it plays great! Almost plays itself. However, it is pretty bright and therefor well suited for jazz play, but not so much for classical style play. I also have a Jody Jazz Jet for alto that plays pretty well too, but I like the DV much better. The Jet is also bright and better suited for jazz than classical.

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