Hi Allie-

Welcome to the saxophone.org web site.

I'm glad to hear you say listening because the first key to getting a good sound is to already have a good sound concept in your head. The best way to get an internalized sense of a good saxophone sound is to listen to great players and to transcribe what they are playing.

Also, check out the book "Developing a Personal Saxophone Sound" by David Liebman. This book is great for both jazz and classical players to go through.

For Jazz alto, I'd listen to a variety of players with different sound concepts. The Marine Corp will be looking for well rounded musicians who can play in all styles. Listen to:

1. Jonny Hodges with the Duke Ellington band (be sure to check out Isfahan on the Far East Suite recording). 

2. Dick Oatts with the Thad Jones Mel Lewis big band and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

3. Cannonball Adderly - for straight ahead jazz

4. Sonny Stitt - for straight ahead jazz

5. Sherman Irby - for straight ahead jazz

5. David Sanborn - for contemporary & pop

For classical saxophone, be sure to listen to the greats of the past:

1. Sigurd Rascher

2. Claude Delangle

3. Marcel Mule

4. Eugene Rousseau

5. for players today, check out James Bunte, Nathan Nabb and Tim McAllister

Cheers,
     Mark Overton
     www.saxquest.com