Choosing a woodwind instrument to play

Play the saxophone

Saxophones are the newest addition to the woodwind family. They were invented by Adolphe Sax and patented on 28 June 1846. Although they are members of the woodwind family, saxophones are made of brass. They are part of the woodwind family because they use a single reed, like a clarinet, to make the sound.

Saxophones come in a complete range of sizes. The saxophone is used by composers of a wide range of different types of music, from orchestral, where it is a relatively rare instrument, to wind bands and jazz or big bands, where it is a vital player. It also features in rock and pop music, blues, reggae and soul music. There are also saxophone choirs or groups of varying sizes. If you want the option to play in a lot of different genres of music, the saxophone may be for you.

A saxophone.

What Rochdale ensembles can I join?

  • Dixie Band
  • Junior Big Band
  • Training Wind Band
  • Youth Wind Band
  • Community Wind Band

Join one of our music ensembles

How does the saxophone sound?