Three and Three Quarters: 3 Alto Saxophones Score & Parts

The piece captures the joy of three friends making music together without overthinking it. Three-quarter time gives it a lilting, dance-like quality that keeps rehearsals light while the writing maintains enough musical substance to hold everyone's attention.

Intermediate alto saxophone ensembles looking for accessible repertoire that doesn't sacrifice musicianship or fun. This works equally well for school saxophone choirs, community bands with a dedicated sax section, or private studio students ready to collaborate.

• Balance the three voices by thinking of them as equal soloists rather than melody and accompaniment. Each saxophonist should hear their own line as complete and singable.
• Establish the three-quarter feel early in rehearsal; mark the downbeats clearly so all three players settle into the same pulse.
• Shape musical phrases collectively even within a lighthearted piece. Small dynamic swells and breath points keep the piece from sounding mechanical.
• Let the trivial nature of the work inform your tempo choices. A brisk, bouncy treatment often serves this style better than a heavy one.

Schedule this for a spring concert or casual performance where you want to showcase your saxophone section's versatility and personality. It pairs well alongside more serious repertoire, providing a necessary breath of levity without feeling out of place.

• Reading and maintaining three-quarter time signatures
• Balancing three equal melodic lines
• Ensemble intonation in a small group setting
• Rhythmic precision without a conductor's beat