In middle school, a year or so into playing the saxophone, I played a note that really clashed during jazz band.

And the music director noticed it!

He didn’t get mad though, he actually pointed it out to the whole group and said that if you’re going to play a note that clashes you should play it outright.  Like you meant to.

Another reason for playing out is that sometimes beginning musicians are shy and don’t have a strong sound.

You want intensity when you play saxophone.  Even if it’s soft, the intensity should still be there.

Note: The idea of a ‘wrong’ note is a bit of a concern when you’re playing an arrangement in a larger group.  Especially as a beginning sax player.

It matter less when it’s with a smaller group, since then you can act like you meant to play it and see where it takes you.

Mistakes can take you in interesting places!