Saxophone is not an instrument known for alternate fingerings, not like the oboe - where it seems every phrase has a different optimal fingering. There are however several very useful alternate fingerings that we often overlook, or outright ignore for various reason.

One of the reasons we tend to shy away from alternate fingerings, other than laziness is intonation issues that are inherent particularly when we are less experienced players, and as a result we either never get in the habit of using them, or quickly get out of the habit of using them.

A recommendation to Middle and High school band directors that are reading this series of posts, when you are preparing your inside wind band repertoire, look at your saxophone players parts, and see if there are opportunities to help them identify and utilize these alternate fingerings.