The Project: The Saxophone - Its History and the Creative Process

Greetings Project people, humorists, bongo players and other assorted geniuses yet to be unfold. I come to you today with a sad but glad story.

Many of the most wonderful people send projects across my desk and I am so grateful and thankful for all of your brilliance. This one really caught my eye. The beloved donor will remain anonymous. It was suggested that we create a documentary project on the saxophone. Naturally, this would involve doing research concerning its inventor Adolphe Sax. Check out this link: http://www.saxgourmet.com/adolph-sax.html

After reviewing much of the history and experiences of the genius Adolphe Sax, I came to the conclusion that this project was just too extensive. The above website describes just one of the pieces of documentary information that we referred to. If you have the patience to read the story of Adolphe Sax you will see that this kind of documentary requires an enormous amount of time, effort and commitment. Adolphe Sax was a fascinating and fantastic historical figure and the making of his story is just too monumental of a task for this Project.

It's an extensive read. But, you can see that this would be a fabulous documentary, especially if the was created within the structure of the television documentary, "Cosmos." I am reminded of certain metaphors: "Would you rather be a big fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond..... Or would you rather be a small fry in a small pond and be happy and live contented."

I am also reminded of what Mel Brooks once said. He suggested that in order to create a project, he and his writers/creators had to rewrite each scene and each part at least 16 times before they found something that was really funny and entertaining. That's a lot of work baby. When I think about that statement, I realized how true it is. Dedication and Persistence: you can't get away from it. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have to go over something in order to get it down right. To put that kind of effort into creating a documentary on the saxophone and Adolphe Sax would require an enormous amount of investment. But, let me not discourage any of our beloved compatriots from entering upon such an endeavor.

On a more personal note, I play tenor saxophone. When I rehearse, I have to go into my sanctuary and practice over and over again certain pieces of music that require sometimes more than 16 rewrites. The same holds true for jokes. I keep going over dozens and dozens of jokes and only certain ones stick in my memory. When I open my mouth to do my shtick, only a certain amount of jokes will actually come out of my mouth. It's a continual rewrite. Needless to say, if you are interested in committing yourself to a given Project, you will have to go over it time and time again to get it to where you feel it's entertaining and fulfilling for you.

Ultimately, I don't know if the story of Adolphe Sax will ever be fully told or the invention and evolution of the saxophone fully appreciated. But, the fact that the idea has actually passed through the minds of certain people suggest that creativity not only begins with an idea, it also has to proceed to full execution and action. I can just fantasize several episodes of the agony and ecstasy experienced by Adolphe Sax. I can also fantasize many chapters and episodes that feature the great saxophone artists that have come down through history since the saxophone's invention in 1840. Oh well! Dream on Dr. Paul....

Best of my love to Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, and many others who tore it up with this strangely shaped instrument and its onerous tones. Best of my love to all of those who are still with us who are blowing some mean chops through this hybrid saxophone tube.

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The Project is my creative endeavor. Its mission is to unleash, encourage, bring forth and give rise to the creativity, talent and skills within all of us.... no matter what level one is at. Helping people get in touch with their creativity and talent is a large part of my coaching and therapy and highly encouraged. It you are interested in knowing more about the Project, feel free to contact me. When not therapizing ... I play tenor sax. :)

Paul J. Hannig, Ph.D. MFT
PsychotherapyHELP
www.psychotherapyhelp.com
phannigphd@att.net
T: 818-882-7404