The Role of the Lead Alto in a Big Band

[@bethanyjensen6398]

"This is jazz. This is what we do." What a legend!!

[@nicholassarmiento7508]

He’s the least egotistic alto player on earth, he’s humble like a bassist. Bless you sir, giving the alto a good name *Edit I officially now play bass, as I was a trombone player before (less humble yet more forgotten) so I understand the beauty of the bass suddenly

[@ecarohh]

"he’s humble like a bassist" *Jaco Pastorius would like to speak with you*

[@OM-md6ki]

Humble like a bassist!

[@ihavegcc472]

Haha thats funny, we do be walking but no one be talking, to us i mean

[@dexterjones4902]

How flattering! Thanks from bassists everywhere

[@m.howell7152]

When a topnotch professional speaks, you can really see the difference. Thank you for giving us the benefit of your experience.

[@andreashoppe1969]

I don't even play saxophone. I just love listening to this guy. Saw him play with both, Chris McBride and Wynton. Damn, he is soo good and a really great human being.

[@sevildrib]

Traditionally, another role of the lead alto player occurs when a music venue manager informs a jazz group at the end of a night's performance that, because bar receipts were lower than he expected, he has to cut the band's fee for the evening. At that point the lead alto player has to go to speak to the venue manager to obtain the full fee agreed prior to the engagement.

[@keananok]

Based

[@brianbillings6815]

Love Mr. Irby's playing. Was just listening to last years Christmas CD and he arranged several pieces. Really great solo in one. His southern roots and blues influence can be heard and I wish he'd put a little video out about that and how he adds it to his playing and soloing.

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Excellent instructional advice with precision and clarity. Sounds as a modern-day Benny Carter would have - smooth, fill-fluent, accurate and passionate. Great tips from a great instructor! Many thanks!

[@juanlulourido548]

just wonderful performance and explanation

[@danieleswing1648]

Saw him yesterday (13 June 21) with the whole band in Madrid. His number was seriously outstanding.

[@lucasharvey4389]

I recently learned that I made lead alto for New Jersey Junior All State Jazz Ensemble!! Now I gotta study!

[@OTRTrader]

Congrats on that title! You work at it, and you get the responsibility, and you deserve that honor.

[@WillJones1098]

"I'm 4 and I'm lead alto in my high school jazz band is that good???"

[@k.1784]

You’re four. *YOURE FOUR?*

[@jerryinman3044]

You 4 and writing on KZbin and playing lead. You must be a politician. You invent the saxophone?

[@evandempsey7613]

Will Jones Nobody got the joke.

[@intravert6916]

@@evandempsey7613 haha there was no joke was simply meant to give a chuckle

[@evandempsey7613]

@@intravert6916 Isn't that the point of a joke?

[@robertosion5598]

Marvelous Video Sherman. Very clear and useful. Thank you, very much. Roberto Sion, Big Band Director and saxophonist, Sao Paulo, Brazil

[@andreashoppe1969]

Can we here your music somewhere? Would love to.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Awesome! Thank you for making this wisdom accessible.

[@JazzAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please spread the word and share the video

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I sure will. I have a few friends who teach jazz in the public schools and they like to direct their students to this sort of instruction.

[@danmcbmusic]

So much artistry and craftsmanship. Thank you for giving us these insights, Mr Irby.

[@TheWhiteIan]

Thanks so much! Where are my other lead altos at?

[@MarioRamirez-661]

my school doesn't have a jazz band but I was lead alto in my school district honor jazz band.

[@xSh4d0WxFoXx98]

Charlie McMurry lead alto in one of my university's jazz bands

[@trumpetplayerdude9838]

Trumpet ?

[@The8BitBrit]

Lead of the North East Lincolnshire Jazz band reporting in

[@Brian4hand]

What up dude I'm over at Bowie State University lead alto

[@grantsegesser4186]

I’m in 8th grade and recently played lead alto for the WMEA Middle School Jazz Ensemble.

[@wildman166]

Thank you Mr. Irby , you really swing Sir !

[@christopherreed2694]

Man you made me smile 😃 and cry at the se time thank you man

[@bobdownes162]

You hit it on the nail Sir ! ( 54 years profi wind player)

[@wendalwilliams9445]

May the force be with you and your alto! Thanks for sharing

[@spudsmith]

Very informative, thank you Sherman!

[@isopropyltoxicity]

I can't wait to join my local high school jazz concert band

[@_Toucan_Sam_]

Would love to see a lead trumpet video

[@mr.costellosbandorchestrac7286]

great tone

[@liamvictor]

Lovely to watch such craft work

[@mikemccarthy4765]

awesome stuff, so much wisdom and knowledge jammed into 5 mins.

[@williamgregory1848]

The lead alto player in a big band is responsible for the interpretation of style and phrasing for the entire saxophone section. They are also responsible for the interpretation of inflection, articulation, phrasing, rhythmic placement and overall style. Lead alto is arguably the most important and challenging position for any saxophonist to occupy. The performer must be consistent and precise and have a thorough knowledge of the history of big band music, including composers, arrangers, and important section leaders’ individual traits.

[@glen.s9860]

I have got to give it to you and Ted the both of you are two of the smoothest jazz player have ever listen to and heard. Can one of you tell me what does it takes to be like you two ? Glen

[@ariah5093]

love these

[@jerrykitich3318]

Excellent stuff, thanks.

[@notjoebiden9517]

Amazing video

[@natalylukonin9065]

What a great player and human being

[@carlwilson4375]

Great video. Thank you.

[@thatspyguy839]

Very Insightful, Thanks!

[@samy7570]

QUE LINDOOO

[@dillpickle1960]

good points worth hearing

[@DrRobThomas]

Thank you, sir; thank you so much!!!

[@BlasJohnny]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@travislebleu6443]

lead alto is fun cause solos

[@jonahwalt]

Can someone send me a link to a video on playing sax in a pop band? I recently started playing with a band that plays a lot of modern pop and sometimes I struggle soloing on certain songs. I've been using my pentatonics and modes well, but I need a little guidance for my sound and rhythms i use

[@themarienthal]

Gracias 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍👍

[@john_leo]

what sax is playing on

[@sengroagers1111]

good sax

[@agentwashington6698]

Me play on good sax to

[@johnsmith1882-x2i]

sandstorm model by darude

[@SAX-cl6lk]

Im pretty sure its a selmer, probably a mark six or seven

[@PrinceSwaggy]

Tony F no it's a mannyaise model by Patrick

[@basseyharry1511]

very jazzy

[@lejazz6938]

Thank you sir!! :)

[@isopropyltoxicity]

man id love to be a big band drummer

[@magohipnosis]

it sucks sometimes

[@tanyadobreva4270]

What is the brand of your sax? :)

[@keananok]

I think it’s a reference

[@qy3t77]

Big professional tip if to not look like your waving at the crowd and keep your fingers to the pearls

[@andrewdicicco1377]

Anybody know what type of alto he’s playing on

[@safesax2067]

Rs berkeley saxophone

[@Vi-on8cv]

What was the song he played in the beginning?

[@shinobiwannabe]

Pakorn Vanichayakornkul he said it right before he started playing it. It's called all of me.

[@Brian4hand]

Justin McIntyre lol right he said right before he said it

[@fuzzonthemountain6272]

Hi, my name is schermanerbie.

[@mindciller]

That's a lot of pressure

[@melcard123]

K

[@arthurgomes2350]

I regret switching to Tenor...

[@pacman3289]

BruhArtyGuy, why

[@EthanJayDoan]

Never, Tenor superior

[@arthurgomes2350]

You right, Jazz Bands ftw

[@2klulu802]

Just noticed he doesn’t have an f# key •_•

[@racehoglund7251]

Most vintage horns don’t have high F# keys

[@OTRTrader]

According to www.musiciansfriend.com, the Reference 54 Alto has a high F#, but I can't tell if Mr. Irby's horn (here) is that, or a Mark VI.

[@howtofamitracker4074]

The Role of the Lead Alto in a Big Band

[@anungunrama9344]

i want your saxophone its beautiful.

[@micgil4193]

The alto looks too small for him lmao.

[@piktormusic2538]

Great stuff. Thanks!