Solo and Ensemble 2019 is fast approaching. This year, it is taking place on April 6 at Albuquerque High School and choosing the perfect piece to perform is critical. There are so many options that it can easily become overwhelming. To give you a place to start, I’ve decided to share my favorites.
For Middle School to Early High School
My favorite: Canzonetta and Giga by, Leroy Ostransky
Concert and Contest Collection Ed. by, H. Voxman – A classic choice for students and teachers everywhere. This compilation of solos has a wide selection of pieces with great arrangements. Without a doubt, I have a student who has chosen to play a song from this collection every year.
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Concert and Contest Collection for Eb Alto Saxophone Solo Book with Online Media. Edited by H. Voxman. Concert Band Method. Rubank Book/Audio Products. Solos, Classical, Contest. Softcover Media Online. 24 pages. Published by Rubank Publications (HL.4002514). |
My favorite: Habanera (from Carmen) by, Georges Bizet
Take Another Ten by, James Rae – Another fantastic collection of pieces ranging in styles. You’ll find well known songs in many genres including Opera favorites and Jazz Standards.
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Take Another Ten Alto Sax/Pian Composed by James Rae. With Standard notation. Universal Edition #UE21170. Published by Universal Edition (PR.UE021170). |
Piece in G Minor by, G. Pierné
This piece is arranged for Tenor Saxophone and is a fun upbeat work that also highlights the performers lyrical playing the middle section of the piece.
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Piece in G Minor Tenor Sax. Composed by Gabriel Pierne (1863-1937). Arranged by Harry Gee. Woodwind Solos & Ensembles – Tenor Saxophone Music. Southern Music. 12 pages. Southern Music Company #SS906. Published by Southern Music Company (HL.3774589). |
Great places to find music include: Musicality (Albuquerque music store) and Sheet Music Plus or your local music store. When purchasing a piece, make sure you’ve looked at the saxophone parts and are confident, with time, that you can perform it well. It is a good idea to pick a piece slightly above your current playing level, but not so far above that it will be frustrating to work on.
Remember to make sure you also get the piano accompaniment if it is not already included!
Questions? Feel free to contact me.
Disclosure: Some of the included links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.