Saxophone Grade 10-6
Examination Procedure
Duration
Grades 10-8: 15 minutes, Grades 7-6: 20 minutes
Instrument and Equipment
Candidates are expected to bring the instrument and equipment needed for the exam.
Candidates are expected to tune their instrument to A=442Hz on their own.
Candidates are expected to solve any problems prior to the exam on their own.
Subject Details
I. Scale
Candidates play one (Grade 10), two (Grades 9-6) scale(s) selected by the examiners without the use of a score.
Procedure
1. Examiners give candidate information on the type, key, range and starting note of the scale to be played.
2. Candidate plays the scale as required.
3. For Grades 9-6, repeat procedures 1 to 2 for the next scale.
- Note:
- Candidates are not allowed to use scores during the exam.
- The last note of ascending/descending may be played longer than the other notes.
- The tempo noted in the score is the suggested tempo. However, the ability to play at a steady tempo is what is being evaluated.
II. Interval / Arpeggio
Candidates prepare given Interval/Arpeggio patterns and are asked to play, with the backing track, one chosen by examiners.
Scores of the Interval /Arpeggio patterns are included in the textbook.
* These pieces have “opt. 8va”.
Procedure
1. Examiners select one Interval/Arpeggio pattern for the candidate to play.
2. Examiners play the beginning of the backing track for several bars so that the candidate can play along and set an appropriate volume and balance.
3. Candidate plays the Interval/Arpeggio pattern with the backing track from the beginning to the end.
- Note:
- Candidates are allowed to use the score if necessary.
- The backing track files are prepared at the exam room. Candidates are expected to repeat the patterns as many times as needed to play continuously with the backing track.
- For Grades 7 and 6, candidates are expected to play the pattern that has “opt. 8va” on one octave higher in the second time.
III. Sight Playing
Examiners select one piece and ask the candidates to play it by sight.
Procedure
1. Candidate is presented a score of the exam piece.
2. Candidate is given 30 seconds to look at the score as preview.
3. Candidate plays the piece after the examiner’s cue.
- Note:
- Movements, such as playing without sound, fingering etc., are not allowed during preview time.
Examples
Grade 10
Grade 9
Grade 8
Grade 7
Grade 6
IV. Repertoire
IV-I. Compulsory Piece
Candidates prepare one compulsory piece from the Compulsory Piece List and play it.
Procedure
1. Candidate informs the examiners whether the candidate has chosen to play along with the backing track or not.
2. If candidate chooses to play along with the backing track, examiners play the beginning of the backing track for several bars so that the candidate can play along to set an appropriate volume and balance.
3. Candidate plays the piece.
- Note:
- Candidates are allowed to use the score if necessary.
- Candidates are allowed to choose whether or not they wish to play along with the backing track or not. The backing track files are prepared at the exam room.
- Examiners may stop the performance before it reaches the end of the piece.
Compulsory Piece List
Grade 10
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 2 Ex.6 "Annie Laurie" (Scottish song)
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 2 Ex.7 "When the Saints Go Marchin’ In" (American song)
*Play Alto 1 (Alto Sax) or Tenor (Tenor sax)
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 2 Ex.11 "Little Brown Jug" (American song)
Grade 9
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 4 Ex.5 "In Der Tanzstunde" (H.Lichner)
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 4 Ex.6 "Die Lorelei" (P.F.Silcher)
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 4 Ex.9 "The Covered Wagon Is Coming" (American song)
*Play Alto 1 (Alto Sax) or Tenor (Tenor sax)
Grade 8
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 5 Ex.4 "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" (Irish song)
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 5 Ex.6 "Sloop John B." (Traditional)
SAXOPHONE 1: Lesson 6 Jazz Etude
Grade 7
SAXOPHONE 2 : Lesson 2 Jazz Etude 2
SAXOPHONE 2 : Lesson 3 Jazz Etude 3
SAXOPHONE 2 : Lesson 4 Jazz Etude 4
Grade 6
SAXOPHONE 2 : Lesson 6 Jazz Etude 6
SAXOPHONE 3 : Lesson 1 Jazz Etude 1
SAXOPHONE 3 : Lesson 2 Jazz Etude 2
IV-II. Free Selection
Candidates prepare one free selection piece and play it.
Points to consider when selecting a piece to prepare for Free Selection:
The level of the Free Selection piece is expected to be equivalent to the Compulsory Piece and Reference Pieces (see PDF file) for the grade.
Candidates may choose a Free Selection piece from the textbook or the Compulsory Piece List provided that it is not the same piece they have prepared for the Compulsory Piece selection.
For Grades 7,6, candidates may choose SAXOPHONE 2 “Rhythm and Chord”. In that case, candidates are expected to fill in the blank part with their own arrangement prepared in advance or improvisation.
Procedure
1. Candidate informs the examiners whether or not they will play along with a backing track.
2. If the candidate plays along with the backing track, examiners play the beginning of the backing track for several bars so that the candidate can play along to set an appropriate volume and balance.
3. Candidate plays the piece.
- Note:
- Candidates are expected to bring the scores of the pieces they have prepared to the exam.
- Examiners may ask to see the score.
- Candidates are allowed to use the score if necessary.
- Candidates are allowed to choose whether or not to play along with a backing track.
- a) If candidates choose a piece from inside the textbook, the backing track will be prepared at the exam room.
- b) If candidates choose a piece outside of the textbook or Reference Pieces and will play the piece along with a backing track, candidates are expected to bring the MP3 files or MIDI data.
- Examiners may stop the performance before it reaches the end of the piece.