Hi
I have not long started to learn the sax and to try to push myself on a bit I have got a copy of the jazz exam syllabus which I plan to start working through. Looking at the syllabus it states that the minus-one CD backing tracks, which come with the book can be used for the exam but the A.B. think that live accompaniment reflects the truer spirit of jazz.
Would examiners mark you differently depending on which form of backing you use?
With live backing my playing would have to change to suit the dynamics and timing of the other musicians and depending on their ability might not best reflect my own ability.
As the minus-one backing is a recorded form the dynamics & timing are already set and as so offer less freedom within the improvisation section of the tunes, would the examiner take this into consideration when marking?
If I opt for using CD backing do most exam centres offer Hi-Fi's or CD players for playback of the backing tracks?
Full Version: Alto Sax Exam
Hi there,
There should be no diference between the two, the examiner is just concentrating on your playing not the backing. I have taken grades 1 and 3 on alto sax and grade 4 on tenor sax and used backing tracks each time (and got a distinction each time) - the screeching noise you can hear, is me blowing my own trumpet ( or saxophone). In one exam I was worried about the balance between me and the backing and whether the examiner could hear enough of the CD, but he said as long as I could hear it well enough, not to worry about him. I think this proves that he was really not bothered about the backing. I just find it's a lot easier to get through an exam with just a CD to worry about (i.e. will you backing band turn up or be late etc.). With regard to you last point, you must always, always take your own CD player as the centres don't provide them.
I hope this helps
Good luck!!
Hi
I have not long started to learn the sax and to try to push myself on a bit I have got a copy of the jazz exam syllabus which I plan to start working through. Looking at the syllabus it states that the minus-one CD backing tracks, which come with the book can be used for the exam but the A.B. think that live accompaniment reflects the truer spirit of jazz.
Would examiners mark you differently depending on which form of backing you use?
With live backing my playing would have to change to suit the dynamics and timing of the other musicians and depending on their ability might not best reflect my own ability.
As the minus-one backing is a recorded form the dynamics & timing are already set and as so offer less freedom within the improvisation section of the tunes, would the examiner take this into consideration when marking?
If I opt for using CD backing do most exam centres offer Hi-Fi's or CD players for playback of the backing tracks?
There should be no diference between the two, the examiner is just concentrating on your playing not the backing. I have taken grades 1 and 3 on alto sax and grade 4 on tenor sax and used backing tracks each time (and got a distinction each time) - the screeching noise you can hear, is me blowing my own trumpet ( or saxophone). In one exam I was worried about the balance between me and the backing and whether the examiner could hear enough of the CD, but he said as long as I could hear it well enough, not to worry about him. I think this proves that he was really not bothered about the backing. I just find it's a lot easier to get through an exam with just a CD to worry about (i.e. will you backing band turn up or be late etc.). With regard to you last point, you must always, always take your own CD player as the centres don't provide them.
I hope this helps
Good luck!!
QUOTE(mackIII @ May 8 2006, 12:50 PM) 
Hi
I have not long started to learn the sax and to try to push myself on a bit I have got a copy of the jazz exam syllabus which I plan to start working through. Looking at the syllabus it states that the minus-one CD backing tracks, which come with the book can be used for the exam but the A.B. think that live accompaniment reflects the truer spirit of jazz.
Would examiners mark you differently depending on which form of backing you use?
With live backing my playing would have to change to suit the dynamics and timing of the other musicians and depending on their ability might not best reflect my own ability.
As the minus-one backing is a recorded form the dynamics & timing are already set and as so offer less freedom within the improvisation section of the tunes, would the examiner take this into consideration when marking?
If I opt for using CD backing do most exam centres offer Hi-Fi's or CD players for playback of the backing tracks?
Hey, I just figured Id add this.
True enough the examiner should be listening to YOU, however, a live accompaniment can make such a difference in the quality of the overall performance. Not just through the general presentation, but live accompaniment can draw out a better quality performance from you, as you work together on the music and respond to one other, especially in the higher grades. Although, a lot of high grade pieces dont offer a backing CD!!
Lol I hope this helps as well!!
Enjoy
True enough the examiner should be listening to YOU, however, a live accompaniment can make such a difference in the quality of the overall performance. Not just through the general presentation, but live accompaniment can draw out a better quality performance from you, as you work together on the music and respond to one other, especially in the higher grades. Although, a lot of high grade pieces dont offer a backing CD!!
Lol I hope this helps as well!!
Enjoy
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