Take the Lead: Latin: Alto Sax Book & CD

Latin rhythms bring warmth and forward momentum to familiar melodies, transforming songs you might know into something with real groove and color. Playing alongside the recorded accompaniment creates the sensation of performing with a full ensemble, even when you're practicing alone.

Alto saxophonists in middle school through early high school who are ready to play beyond single-line melodies but may not yet be part of a full jazz ensemble. This works equally well for private studio students preparing for recitals or band students looking for engaging supplementary repertoire.

• Balance your tone against the recorded accompaniment by listening to the demo track first; the professionally recorded backing won't overpower you if you establish your sound clearly from the opening notes.
• Work through the ensemble parts separately before adding the CD; knowing how the other three saxophones move helps you find your place when all four lines are sounding together.
• Pay attention to rhythmic precision in the Latin grooves, since the recorded accompaniment locks into specific pocket; even small timing shifts between your part and the backing will be noticeable.

Insert this into a concert celebrating world music styles or include individual selections as side-by-side solos in a spring concert. The recorded accompaniment also makes these pieces ideal for jazz ensemble warm-ups or as a bridge activity between classical band rehearsals and jazz studies.

• Playing rhythmic figures characteristic of Latin styles
• Listening and responding to recorded ensemble accompaniment
• Balancing individual voice within a quartet texture
• Maintaining steady pulse and pocket against a professional backing track
• Performing well-known melodic material with stylistic authenticity