Sax Starters 10 Easy AAAT/SAAT Sax Quartets for beginners

This collection of 10 original AAAT Saxophone Quartets by Keri Degg are perfect for adult students who are new to ensemble playing. A Bb Soprano Sax / Clarinet part is also included as an option to replace Alto Sax 1. PDF Email delivery is also available via the drop down box (you are required to select a delivery option).

Graded at between grades 1-3, the pieces styles have been inspired from many genre's including film scores (hints of American Beauty in there, and reflective war films). These 'grown up' quartets are simple yet with enough melodic interest in all parts to keep things interesting.

The contents;

1. The Pipers story
2. Just a passing thought
3. Rememberances
4. American dream
5. Whispers on the wind
6. October rains
7. Dreams on the breeze
8. Solitary girl
9. A new dawn
10. Skies of blue

Review by Viv Halton (CASS GB magazine, March 2015 edition)

 "I was really pleased to see a very basic saxophone quartet volume for AAAT combination. There are 10 pieces aimed at adult learners. I'm not sure why the composer has specified adult, as other than the slightly more mature titles, there's nothing here that wouldn't suit a child beginner. Most of the 10 pieces are characterised by having on the beat, straightforward rhythms. The first time there is even the hint of a quaver is in number four, and we don't see a dotted rhythm until number nine.

It's really useful to have a volume of the most basic quartets with which to start a new quartet. Too many of these volumes progress too quickly for new, less able or very young players and I can see this help consolidate the very early techniques needed to play chamber music and, hopefully, encourage confidence. The pieces are in straightforward time signatures and keys. They also have an alternative soprano sax/Clarinet partfor the top part.

The parts are mostly pitched around grade one. However, there are a few top D's and E's around in the later quartets which would take us out of the grade one compass. There are some lower alternatives given which is sensible and less scary for the player! The alternative Clarinet part for the top part would require the player to be able to play over the break, but only at about grade 2 standard. The cover is rather dull and uninspiring which is a shame, as the parts and score are clearly set out, and at £10.99 this book is a very useful find".

Sample pages taken from the book

(click on a page for the option to print at A4 size)

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