Category Archives: music

music

Saxophone Day

Saxophone Day

November 6 is Saxophone Day, an unofficial holiday that celebrates the woodwind instrument popularly used in jazz, classical music, and military ensembles.

The day honors saxophonists and commemorates the birth anniversary of its inventor Adolphe Sax. Born in Belgium in 1814, Sax was an instrument maker and musician who designed and introduced the Saxophone in 1840.

Used Extensively

It was first adopted for use in military bands and soon became a popular instrument played in a concert band and in chamber music. Chamber music is a type of music played by a group of small instruments – ones that usually can fit into a small room or chamber.

Today, the Saxophone is used extensively in jazz and other kinds of dance music and in symphony orchestras around the world.

Other saxophones include Mezzo Soprano, Sopranino, Tubax, Bass and Contrabass.

How to Celebrate?

  • Are you a saxophonist? Bring out your instrument and play some music with a band or solo for your family and friends.
  • Attend a chamber music, jazz or symphony orchestra concert. Keep an ear out for the Saxophone notes.
  • If you have always wanted to learn how to play the Saxophone, today is the day to get started.
music, Quiz

Sunday Quiz October 6

Guitar Playing Quiz

1. What is the standard tuning of the six strings on a guitar from the lowest pitch (6th string) to the highest (1st string)?
A) E-A-D-G-B-E
B) E-B-G-D-A-E
C) A-D-G-B-E-A
D) E-G-D-B-A-E

2. Which of the following is a common chord progression in Western music, often used in pop songs?
A) I-IV-V
B) II-V-I
C) I-VI-II-V
D) All of the above

3. What is the name of the part of the guitar that amplifies the sound in an acoustic guitar?
A) Soundhole
B) Bridge
C) Saddle
D) Nut

4. Which of the following is a barre chord?
A) A major
B) C major
C) F major
D) G major

5. What technique involves plucking a string and immediately muting it with the side of the palm to create a percussive sound?
A) Fingerpicking
B) Palm muting
C) Tremolo picking
D) Hammer-on

6. What do we call the technique where a guitarist presses down on the fretboard with one finger and then “pulls off” to a lower note without re-picking the string?
A) Bend
B) Hammer-on
C) Slide
D) Pull-off

7. Which famous guitarist is known for pioneering the use of electric guitar effects like distortion and feedback?
A) Eric Clapton
B) Jimi Hendrix
C) Carlos Santana
D) B.B. King

8. In music theory, what is the interval between the open 6th string and the 5th string on a guitar in standard tuning?
A) Major third
B) Perfect fourth
C) Perfect fifth
D) Minor third

9. What is the purpose of a guitar capo?
A) To mute the strings while strumming
B) To change the pitch of open strings
C) To amplify sound
D) To increase string tension

10. If you are playing an arpeggio on the guitar, what are you doing?
A) Playing each note of a chord individually
B) Strumming all the strings at once
C) Tuning the guitar by ear
D) Sliding between notes

11. What does the term “action” refer to on a guitar?
A) The type of strumming pattern used
B) The height of the strings from the fretboard
C) The movement of the strings when tuning
D) The speed of playing a solo

12. What does the “bridge” of a guitar do?
A) It connects the fretboard to the headstock
B) It allows string tension adjustment
C) It anchors the strings to the body of the guitar
D) It amplifies the sound

13. Which of the following is NOT a type of guitar pick?
A) Standard
B) Thumbpick
C) Fingerstyle
D) Jazz pick

14. What is a power chord typically composed of?
A) The root note and a minor third
B) The root note and a perfect fifth
C) The root note, third, and fifth
D) The root note and octave

15. What is alternate picking on the guitar?
A) Strumming with alternate up and down strokes
B) Plucking with alternating fingers
C) Picking with a pick on alternate strings
D) Using a pick to play alternate notes on the same string

Answer Key:

  1. A, 2. D, 3. A, 4. C, 5. B, 6. D, 7. B, 8. B, 9. B, 10. A, 11. B, 12. C, 13. C, 14. B, 15. A
music

Saint John Mourns the Loss of Music Legend Ken Tobias

Saint John Mourns the Loss of Music Legend Ken Tobias at 79

The Saint John community is grieving the loss of one of its most cherished musical talents, Ken Tobias, who passed away at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Tobias, whose remarkable career spanned decades, left an indelible mark on Canadian music with hits like “Stay Awhile”, which became a chart-topping classic in the 1970s.

Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Tobias was not only a gifted singer-songwriter but also a beloved figure in his hometown. His musical journey took him across the world, but he always remained deeply connected to his roots. Known for his smooth voice, poetic lyrics, and undeniable charisma, Tobias touched the hearts of many, both locally and beyond.

Beyond his musical contributions, Ken was an advocate for aspiring artists, often giving back to the community that shaped him. His impact will continue to be felt by the countless musicians and fans he inspired throughout his life.

As Saint John mourns the loss of this extraordinary talent, we remember Ken Tobias not just for his music, but for his kindness, generosity, and the legacy he leaves behind. His spirit will live on in the songs that continue to resonate with those who loved him.

Rest in peace, Ken Tobias. You will be deeply missed.

music, Politics

Kahn’s Chart-Topping ‘Fighter’: ‘It’s All Over the Place.

Just 24 hours after it went live, Breitbart’s Jon Kahn’s stirring tribute to former President Donald Trump went to #1 on the iTunes charts across all genres. And 48 hours later, it’s still #1. Fueled by intense grassroots support, the song which is accompanied by a stirring video, caught the attention of Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, who implored his viewers to keep “Fighter” #1.