Reflection Time

Hello guys! This is the last official blog, as our 20-Time Project is winding down with the end of the year. Now is the time to reflect on the process that I went through...

My original goal was to be able to play marching band songs by the end of 20-Time. My project took a slight shift in direction. Towards the end of 20-Time, I focused more on concert pieces like Phantom of the Opera and "Medallion Calls" from Pirates of the Caribbean. Although I did not learn all of the marching band songs this year, I am satisfied with how I progressed.

One of the biggest difficulties I have had is  the change in embouchure from the trombone to the saxophone. With the trombone, I blow air into a mouthpiece outside of my mouth, but for the saxophone the mouthpiece is inside the mouth. This variance caused me to have difficulties playing some of the high notes for saxophone. This was also one of the reasons that I switched to concert music; it has less high notes.

What I enjoyed most about the project is how it allowed us to explore a topic that interested us, and explore it without limits. I was able to move at my own pace and control my project, rather than follow a set of guidelines. Learning to play saxophone has allowed me to improve my skills on the trombone, such as articulation and timekeeping. I am glad that I got the chance to explore on my own, and I hope I can apply what I have learned to my musical knowledge.

If I were to give advice to other students planning on doing 20-Time, it would be to choose something that interests you, something that is new, and something that you think you'll love. This will make it a lot easier to stay motivated when the project reaches an obstacle. It will also make the project mean more to you. I am glad that I chose to play saxophone, and it has opened my eyes to the challenges of different types of instruments. I believe that I am a better musician because I now understand how each instrument fits into the band to make one amazing sound.

I believe that I will continue to learn saxophone throughout the summer. As of now I am planning to work more on concert pieces instead of marching band pieces. The reason for this is that I can play the concert songs with a better tone because I do not have to strain to hit high notes.Although I will be busy during the summer, I hope I can find the time to improve myself as a saxophone player and a musician.

I would like to thank anyone that followed me on my journey, and I hope to post during the summer, but with less regularity due to summer activities.