Claude Smith's contemporary approach to teaching technique, tone and style is written in a variety of keys and meters and is divided into three sections: I. Scale Studies II. Etudes III. Chorale Studies. The etudes and chorales are in progressive order of difficulty so bands of all levels can find appropriate starting places and progress from there. It's the perfect way to begin every rehearsal.

Claude Smith's contemporary approach to teaching technique, tone and style is written in a variety of keys and meters and is divided into three sections: I. Scale Studies II. Etudes III. Chorale Studies. The etudes and chorales are in progressive order of difficulty so bands of all levels can find appropriate starting places and progress from there. It's the perfect way to begin every rehearsal.

The Essence of the Blues by Jim Snidero provides beginners and moderately advanced musicians with an introduction to the language of the blues. In 10 etudes focusing on various types of the blues, the musician learns to master the essential basics step by step. Each piece comes with an in-depth analysis of blues styles and music theory, appropriate scale exercises, tips for studying and practicing, suggestions for improvising, recommended listening, and specific techniques used by some of the all-time best jazz/blues musicians, including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, B.B. King, Stanley Turrentine, and others. The accompanying play-along CD features world famous New York recording artists including Eric Alexander, Jeremy Pelt, Jim Snidero, Steve Davis, Mike LeDonne, Peter Washington, and others. Recorded at a world-class studio, these play alongs are deeply authentic, giving the musician a real-life playing experience to learn and enjoy the blues.

Each composer addresses the following topics: Biographical information, The creative process ... how a composer works, Orchestration, Views from the composer to the conductor, Commissioning new works, The teaching of composition, Influential individuals, Ten works all band conductors at all levels should study, Ten composers whose music speaks in especially meaningful ways, The future of the wind band, Other facets of everyday life, Comprehensive list of works for band.

Band Classroom Methods - All Levels

The Belwin Student Instrumental Course is a course for individual instruction and class instruction of like instruments, at three levels, for all band instruments. Each book is complete in itself, but all books are correlated with each other. Although each book can be used separately, all supplementary books should be used as companion books with the method.

"Foundations for Superior Performance" is designed to help structure the daily rehearsal and advance the performance level of the ensemble. The primary goal is to offer a framework of exercises and routine drills that will facilitate the mastery of essential playing fundamentals. Different skill levels have been integrated into this book to meet the needs of the inexperienced player, and, at the same time, challenge the most advanced.