Leaving on Central a Good Note

by Liam Faunce staff

The saxophone. Most of us know of it as a single-reeded woodwind instrument with its conical body originating from jazz. But now it’s used for any genre of music, and it’s commonly used in band. Meet Scout Russell, who has played the saxophone in TCAPS bands since 6th grade. She enjoys creating her own music, as most musicians need to enjoy it if they want to master the art of music-making.

“I don’t sing much,” Russell clarifies. “But I love to make music with my friends, and I use garageband all the time and things like that. I can play any kind of saxophone…I can also sort of play the clarinet and a little piano and a little drums and a little flute,” she lists. “I would love to learn more about brass instruments in general because I don’t really know much about them and [I’m] trying to be more well-rounded.”

Playing an instrument also takes knowledge to carry around if you really want to pursue it. “[I plan to carry the knowledge of playing saxophone] as much as I can,” Russell says. “The goal is to either double major or minor in jazz studies.”

No matter what instrument you choose, you’re going to become wise about an industry that doesn’t specifically need people born with talent. All you have to do is practice. “[The saxophone is] definitely more significant in the jazz band,” Russell explains. “Because it’s sort of a lead voice. But in terms of the band program, I would say it sort of just keeps harmonies together and provides nice balance. [The saxophone is] definitely not [hard to play]. I think anyone can play it.” Practice doesn’t have to be taken to the extreme if needed to do other things. “I try to practice every day but that’s not really an attainable goal so I would say four to five times a week,” Russell notes.

Sometimes, listening to musicians that match the instruments you play can inspire new ways of thinking about music. “I really love Charlie Parker,” says Russell. “He’s my favorite jazz saxophone player. [Along with] Sonny Stitt and John Coltrane.” When it comes to classical musicians, “I love to listen to Marcel Mule, who is also a famous saxophone player that I really like. I [also] think I’m more into ‘back-then’ music because I understand the art form a lot better. It’s nice to play music and…to listen to other people play it and try to emulate their sound. I just love to listen to things like that,” she gushes.

Russell finds that the hardest thing about being a senior is staying motivated. But at the same time, she advises that you don’t lose focus. “You can do it, just keep with it. Don’t give up before the end. It’s a marathon and you’re on mile 26, so don’t stop running,” she suggests. Also, there will be those final, golden moments for upcoming seniors. Russell’s was playing with the all state jazz band: “You get to bond with people in every grade all over the school,” Russell explains. “And you enter alone, but you leave with a whole group of support behind you.” //