I am a newbie at all kinds of music. I just started less than a year ago. I play the alto saxophone, but have been interested in composing since I started playing music. Here`s my question (brace yourself):

What are the ranges of the instruments? What I mean is how far can they play. I would like to know the range of woodwinds, strings, percussion, and brass. If you still dont know what Im saying, here`s an example: An alto saxophone can play an A sharp (two leger lines below) to an F (three leger lines and a space above) on the treble cleff.

Thx.

Nothing stupid about that question at all Jeorge. When I started writing music it took me a long time to learn all the ranges.
Just for you, here`s a page with all the ranges on :
http://www.8notes.com/articles/instrument_ranges.asp

I can recommend also recommend two books : Instrumentation/Orchestration by Blatter for thorough technical guides to instrumentation and orchestration

and Orchestration by Adler for excellent orchestration examples (with a CD)

Both are a bit pricey but invaluable if you`re serious about composing.

Good luck. I think it`s time 8notes.com had its own section for composers. Any one agree?

Wow! Thanks David! I didnt expect an answer so fast.

And yes I do agree there should be a section on composers.

I play the tenor saxophone, but I`m only in my second year of playing it, and I weoild like to know how would one go about playing the High C, from the range for proffessionals, in the range chart? Would it just be a harmonic? The highest note that I was previously aware of was an F#...

well i think on woodwinds you can only go up so high, but on brass you can go as high as you can play it.

I play the flute and it`s tough but you can get really hi. But I recomend a flute for your hi music notes.
Bye