SMMC would like to congratulate saxophone student Avery S. for earning the “Student Of The Month” award for May 2025. Avery has been taking lessons with SMMC since September 2023 when he was only 9 years old. This September will mark two years of enrollment in private lessons. In that time, Avery has developed into a promising young musician. Avery participates in the band program at his Monterey Hills Elementary School and in January of this year, performed in SMMC’s Winter Recital.
The alto and tenor saxophone are the more popular kind of saxophones for both players and listeners alike. The other kind of saxophones in the sax family include the soprano and the baritone. The alto saxophone is a transposing instrument that is pitched in the key of Eb. This means that when the note “C” is played on the alto saxophone, what is heard is actually an Eb. This note is a major 6th lower than a C. In order for saxophonists to be able to play with other instruments, their music must be transposed (written) in a different key so they do not sound out of tune. Many beginner saxophone students tend to start with the alto saxophone because it is much smaller and lighter than the tenor saxophone. This makes playing the instrument more manageable for young students.
Instrument Popularity
The alto saxophone is a popular instrument in a variety of styles of music. But it’s most popular in Jazz music and used in a variety of settings within that genre. Any combination of Big Band or Jazz Combo is likely going to have either an alto or tenor saxophone in the group. Other popular styles for saxophone include concert bands, military bands, marching bands and school bands. Indeed, elementary and middle school band programs are where the majority of music students get exposed to the saxophone. SMMC is bustling with activity from August to October when band students arrive to rent their instrument for the year and stock up on band supplies. When it comes to alto saxophone, the essential supplies list include reeds, cork grease, cleaning swabs, mouthpiece brush and mouthpiece disinfectant.
In His Teachers Words
Avery takes saxophone lessons at SMMC with Mr. Osvaldo Gonzalez. Osvaldo is a multi-instrumentalist who teaches clarinet, saxophone and oboe. He received his Masters in Music in Clarinet Performance from Cal State University Los Angeles and has taught at SMMC since June of 2022. Of Avery, Mr. Gonzales writes: “Avery is a very attentive student. He listens carefully and follows instruction very well. His music reading has greatly improved in a relatively short amount of time. Avery can differentiate eighth-note triplets from regular eighth-notes, can differentiate sixteenth-notes easily and plays them accurately. On his technique he has great finger dexterity. As a result, he is able to play through scales fluidly. He is about to finish his third book of Essential Elements course and that is an achievement in and of itself. Some areas for improvement for Avery include articulation, playing with dynamics and improving his intonation. I look forward to continue working with Avery and see him continue to tackle challenges to become a better player.”
Avery Performing
As mentioned earlier, Avery participated in SMMC’s Winter Recital in January of this year. Enjoy that performance in the video below!
In His Own Words
Time for the “Question and Answer” portion of our Student of the Month blog! We sent Avery a set of questions to get more insight into the person behind the student. Here is what Avery had to share:
1. How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it? “I’ve been playing for almost 2 years. I enjoy playing saxophone because I enjoy getting better and better at an instrument.”
2. How did you get started playing guitar and why did you decide to take lessons? “I started lessons when I joined the 5th grade band at Monterey Hills Elementary.”
3. How do you make time to practice in your busy schedule? “I enjoy how melodic the saxophone sounds and I enjoy the sounds of the high notes. I like how the saxophone can be played in both orchestral and jazz bands.”
4. If any, who are some of the artists you look up to for your instrument and why do you like them? “I’m not sure.”
5. What is your favorite food, movie/tv show, video game, etc.? “My favorite food is tofu and my favorite movie is Dr. Who. My favorite video games are Legend of Zelda from the 80’s and 90’s. I also like escape room games and my favorite is ‘Exit-The Forbidden Castle’.”
6. Besides music, what do you like to do in your down time? “I like video games, reading and playing the saxophone.”
7. What have you done this year that you consider to be the most fun you’ve had all year? “I visited Joshua Tree”
Thank you for sharing Avery! Some of us at SMMC grew up playing the Legend of Zelda video games from the old Nintendo system, so that is rad!
Give SMMC A Try
If you are ready to get yourself or your child started on their musical journey, our wonderful teachers are eager to work with you. SMMC teachers are degreed educators with years of experience. Whether you are a beginner, have not played for years, or looking to make the jump to intermediate or advance level, our teachers have the tools to help you achieve your ambition! Book a trial lesson today!
