The Most Legendary Saxophone Ever Made | Pitchfork

The horn is imbued with a significant mythology; a theory that Mark VIs were made from recasted artillery shells and church bells in France in the aftermath of the war continues to circulate widely, despite the company’s assertions that it’s not true. “Sometimes the musicians don’t want to know the truth,” Milhaud says. “They just want to believe in the nicest history.” 
 

A great, well sourced, long form article on the Mark VI.  Covering it's history from pre and post-war saxophone production, to how the internet changed sales of the vintage horn.

Follow the link in the title for the full article.

Piccolo tips from the Pros

Piccolo tips from the Pros

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I asked these highly accomplished musicians if they could spare a moment to give me some tips that I could write about and pass along to anyone else attempting to master the piccolo.  Some of these players may have taken up the picc later in a doubling career, like myself.  Others are flute and piccolo specialist, whom occupy positions in major orchestras in the US. 

Here are their responses, in no particular order.  I told them to feel free to be brief, as I know they are all busy professionals.

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