Saxophone - Old dogs learning new tricks

by Frank
(Semmes, Alabama)

45 years ago I acquired a conn trumpet that was dingy, dented all over and the keys were sticky. After a facelift I began my music career as a trumpet player at my small town school In Bayou La batre, Alabama. Missed the boat on learning to read music but my EAR for music carried me through 3 seasons and 2 of those years was as SOLO Chair. After school, I joined the military and traveled the world..Didn't pick up a trumpet for 21 years. After I retired I joined our church group band and tooted for a couple of years..16 years have passed now and 3 days ago I purchased a Armstrong Alto Saxophone from a nearby Pawn Shop for a hundred bucks. After 32 years of marriage I can honestly say that my wife is gonna divorce me...Trying to create a sound worthy of being called a musical note is a daunting and even painful (my lower lip is sore)endeavor. However, in spite of the pain and the god aweful sounds I'm making, I'm determined to make a go of this contraption. Sax music has to be the most beautiful and uplifting sounds known to mankind. When played by a professional it can leave a hardened soldier weeping. Would someone please write and tell me their experiences. Will the soreness go away? Is my sax a cheap imitation of the real thing? Tips? Thank you...Frank