The Colorful Story Of The Saxophone

By Jim Samposzi

The saxophone, or sax, is a lively and widely used instrument belonging to the woodwind family of instruments. The sax is mostly made of brass and is standard for an orchestra, band, or other musical production. The saxophone has a big history in jazz and big band. However, the sax has been a key instrument for blues and more importantly, modern rock. This magnificent instrument has also been known to be included in military bands and processions.

The saxophone is a complex brass instrument that includes the following components:

Brass stock/horn

Single-reed mouthpiece

Tone holes (20-30)

Speaker holes

Keys (or pad cups)

Spit Valve

The components of this instrument have been developed in the past few decades to further expand the capabilities via engineering and development. The mouthpiece, as an example, has been built out of different metals, like: gold, silver, rubber, glass, wood, porcelain, crystal, or bone. Companies over the years have attempted various prototypes to improve the tone and overall sound quality of the instrument.

Saxophones have made a lasting impression since their first model made by Adolphe Sax in 1841. Sax was determined to create an instrument that would bridge the gap between all other woodwinds and instruments. He was very successful in his endeavors and the saxophone was the leading instrument in orchestras of the late 19th century. For military, the sax worked perfectly when tuned to include B and E pitches. Also, the saxophone was created for a C and F pitch for orchestra inclusion. Later, the saxophone was an instrument of necessity for jazz music and developed to include and produce pitches of all levels (A, B, C, G, F, and E).

Eventually, Adolphe Sax's patent expired in 1866 which prompted manufacturing of new models by several organizations. Later, in the 1950's, a a man named M. Houvenaghel of Paris, introduced a great line of saxophones which included a single-tone key arrangement which enabled the musician to manage octaves with just the thumb; this design stayed permanent with the sax and was a permanent facet of saxophone creation from then on. Other methods were tested and tried but this one-thumb control remained a permanent fixture to the sax.

Today, the sax is most common in rock, jazz, and Army bands. They are usually made of either brass or bronze and are different in expense and sound. Preferences are typical with different musicians of jazz and funk; many jazz players like mouthpieces with a shorter chamber that generates a high baffle, louder, and sharper tone. Other classical players appreciate a larger chamber because of the lower, milder tone. No matter the band, the saxophone is a great instrument in music of all types. From invention to improvement, the sax has come a long way in development and improvement and is proven to be the instrument of choice for those who play jazz and funk. - 23806

About the Author:

Jim Samposzi is a columnist with over 12 years writing experience. Jim is currently working as a publicist with our b2b site and has become the in house expert on saxophones. Visit our very useful website for more information on Saxophones and Soprano Saxophone.

A Tutorial on How To Move Music From iPod to iTunes

By Randolph Debrito

Transferring music from an iPod to an iTunes library has been a desire for many people, even though they may have previously downloaded music from the iTunes store or personal cds to their iPod. Though Apple should have expected this to be a valuable characteristic, it determined that iTunes should not assist in allowing this to happen.

Some people suspect that Apple took these steps to protect music from being illegally traded. But think about it this wayyou get a new computer so you install iTunes and want to put your iPod songs on that new computer. This isn't wrong or illegal!

Therefore, transferring songs from your iPod to your laptop or your computer at work is probably out of the question as well.

Sadly, iTunes on your new computer has been set to instinctively replace your current iTunes library. Because of this, an unused, empty iTunes library will take the place of all of your music in your present iPod library. This is crazy!

Needless to say, people quickly figured out how to bypass this bad situation. You need to choose 'no' when you're asked if you want to 'auto-sync' your iTunes and your iPod.

The next step would be removing particular files from the iTunes folder within your computer, revealing your hidden files, moving the file "iPod Control folder" along with your iPod music to another place for protection, and finally generating a new iPod Control folder. There were additional steps involved, but I think you understand.

Third-party software designers created programs that did all of this for you and allowed the user to skip past the overcomplicated techniques that were being used to avoid losing music.

Tune Tools, PodMaxx and iPod 2 iTunes are all programs that have been made so that you can easily transfer music on your iPod back to your computer, or to another computer.

You can also copy playlists and videos to your computer from your iPod, for a small cost. Each of these programs includes features that iTunes hasn't yet included in their own software. These programs cost around $25 to $30, which is much cheaper than finding that your iPod library has been deleted! - 23806

About the Author:

If you would like to read more about ipod to computer transfer, please visit the link provided. On a side note, you can find ipod to pc software and guides at http://ipodtoitunes.net/

Where To Start Learning How To Sing

By Charle Rivers

Singing with a barbershop quartet or just singing along with the radio you like to express yourself in song. You may think you cant sing like your favorite "idol" or even improve your ability to sing but you can. The first step is to understand the human singing voice accurately so that you can remove negative expectations for your singing ability.

There are many reasons why most people wont get up on a karaoke stage and sing; it could be lack of confidence, lack of education, or both. However, with a little training and practice, even the most tone-deaf singer can learn a few things to assist in their singing capabilities. Just because you are not one of the lucky few who was born with a "good ear" doesnt mean you cant celebrate life by singing as well!

While some very few persons have no ability to detect tone at all, this is very rare. In fact statistically only approximately two percent of people in the world are identified as truly tone deaf. Much more commonly, people who sing "off pitch" only lack "ear training" to hear pitches more accurately.

Now its time to ascertain what level your voice is at on the musical score. Do you sing with a naturally higher tone as a soprano or do you have a low bass tone to your voice? Once you become familiar with your voice stylings, you will be able to accurately fit your voice to songs that are within your range. Singing a low song as a soprano may not be the best idea. But finding songs that easily fit your voice will certainly showcase your singing abilities in a positive light. If you choose to take singing lessons, your teacher will be able to help you in this discovery process.

Breathing is also important when trying to sing. After all, who wants to listen to someone gasping for breaths between the melody and verse of a song? When you teach yourself specific breathing techniques, always try to use your diaphragm when singing. You know that you are doing this if your stomach expands with air intake.

We have all heard amateur singers who have an unpleasing, even irritating quality, to their voices. This is often a result of projecting the voice through the mouth and nasal cavities. More pleasing is to project the sound through the head, sometimes called "head voice." To develop this skill, work at visualizing your breath and voice flowing up to and radiating out of your forehead.

Once you learn all of these basic skills, even the least confident singer will be presenting their voices in the best light. Also, infusing passion and emotion into your performance will certainly up the ante and improve your overall performance because you will be pulling the heartstrings of your audience. This is why just living in the moment and experiencing the song with your most passionate and heartfelt emotions will increase the effectiveness of your performance even if you are not Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston!

As an adult you may regret not learning to sing at an early age while in fact adults benefit from professional training more readily than children. Your voice is fully developed and your ability to understand instruction is too. Be patient with yourself as you try to change a lifetime of incorrect singing habits. A qualified singing teacher can give you the tips, techniques and feedback you need to progress. Your best singing voice is in you, just waiting for the right training, plenty of practice and a chance to show off! - 23806

About the Author:

If you want to learn about singing then I encourage you to try an instrument. Try the Korg karma Synthesizer

The Great Spartan Sword

By Todd Alan

The one name, Sparta, has sparked off many a debate and accolade on the Greeks and the Spartan sword was a part of Greek history. Athens and Sparta, the two rival states, which fought for supremacy among the Greek city states consisted of brave warriors who were trained in classical warfare from a very young age.

Having been trained in shock combat, the Spartan sword was the most effective weapon for a soldier in a phalanx. A high degree of discipline and practiced skill was required for the soldiers to maintain their formations in war.

A brief and hurtful battle during the many wars like the Polynesian War, the Greco Persian Wars, the War of the Marathons, eulogized by many a poet and historian, often speak of the Spartan sword and the shield as the best weapons for the battles.

A statue of King Lyonidas I in Sparta is a perfect example of a warrior king, something that every Spartan learned how to do since birth, fight for their honor and respect for the land. The land was above everything else and one would either come back a winner from a battle or die for ones own land. King Lyonidas Spartan sword held ready for action in combat stands truth to the Spartans significance on fighting for their rights and their state. The state was above everything else.

Life has moved on from the fifth century BC. Modern methods of warfare have evolved and people have evolved technologically. At the press of a button man is able to destroy, annihilate a whole nation, without so much as moving an extra muscle. The age of innovation has pushed us on to new frontiers the Greeks would never have imagined. But they were the original creators of democracy, they sowed the seeds of a civilized democratic society, taught the world organized, disciplined methods of warfare. The Spartan sword remains today a symbol of a nation which raises its artistic weapon high over its head, ready for action, ready for anything to die with honor for ones country and ones fellow men. - 23806

About the Author:

Replica Sword Source is the leading online source for the 300 Spartan Sword. Shop Replica Sword Source to find the highest quality Replica Swords

5 Tips On How To Improve Your Singing Voice

By Kevin Mayall

Are singers born with a special talent, or can anyone be taught to sing? This is a very common question and most people still mistakenly believe that singing is a special gift. While it's true that it comes more naturally to some, you have to understand that in essence it is a skill. And skills can be taught, right.

First, you need to be aware of the importance of proper instructions. Without it, it would be very difficult to discover the full potential of your voice. You will need a good teacher or a good singing course. Nowadays, you can get really good and affordable singing lessons online. Another thing you should know is that age is not important. It doesn't matter if you're in your fifties or in your twenties, you can still learn how to sing.

Another reason to get proper coaching is to avoid mistakes. Bad singing habits can be very difficult to unlearn. Bad training can actually permanently damage your voice. So get the right instructions.

Posture is very important and can really affect the quality of your singing. For beginning singers proper body alignment is the very first thing they should learn. Stand with your feet slightly apart, knees flexible, not locked. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed and down, hands relaxed and still at the sides. Abdomen should be flat and firm, chin parallel to the ground. Always remember, maintaining a good posture is very important.

Warm ups are crucial in preventing injuries to your vocal muscles and preserving a healthy singing voice. All athletes know the importance of warming up and you should too. Without a warm up you are at risk of damaging your vocal cords. So before you sing - warm up.

One of the most crucial ingredients of good singing is breath control. If you want to improve your singing, be aware of your breathing and do the breathing exercises. Remember, 90% of singing is breath.

Following these basic tips can really make a difference in the way you sing. They will help you discover the full potential of your voice. - 23806

About the Author:

If you truly want to improve singing, you'll need proper coaching. Learn to sing online is a good and affordable way to go.