History of the Alto Saxophone
The saxophone was invented by a man named Adolphe Sax. While the exact date the saxophone was invented is unknown, Sax filed for a patent in France in 1846. Sax is not only credited with the invention of the saxophone, but he also made a new, better-sounding model of the bass clarinet. The first alto saxophones were much simpler than the alto we have now, and they now have much more keys. Saxophones were originally used in military bands in Europe, but later found their way to America in bands belonging to directors such as John Phillip Sousa and Gilmore. When the jazz era hit America, the saxophone became an iconic part of any jazz band, and are now a permanent part of most bands. |