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Tradition of Excellence is a flexible performance centered band method that seamless blends classic and contemporary pedagogy, instrument-specific DVD’s, and the cutting edge interactive practice studio technology. Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin present a systematic comprehensive musicianship curriculum that is second-to-none.
The Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method Books 1 and 2 combine a strong performance-centered approach with music theory, music history, ear training, listening composition, improvisation, and interdisciplinary and multicultural studies. The result is the most complete band method available anywhere.
For teachers everywhere, Essential Elements has continued as the standard of string pedagogy. Its carefully designed curriculum makes student learning efficient, yet fun, at all levels. In addition, Essential Elements continues its innovation with powerful technology-based learning tools, supplementary components, and correlated performance materials.
If you like Brian Balmages’ repertoire, try out his beginner band method book! Measures of Success® was created to ignite musical curiosity, to unite conceptual knowledge with performance skills, to foster understanding of the many ways that people share and interact with music, and to assess each student’s continued musical growth.
Accent on Achievement is a revolutionary, best-selling band method that will excite and stimulate your students through full-color pages and the most complete collection of classics and world music in any band method. The comprehensive review cycle in books 1 & 2 will ensure that students remember what they learn and progress quickly. Also included are rhythm and rest exercises, chorales, scale exercises, and 11 full band arrangements among the first two books. Book 3 includes progressive technical, rhythmic studies and chorales in all 12 major and minor keys. Also included are lip slur exercises for increasing brass instrument range and flexibility.
Sound Innovations for Concert Band is a revolutionary method that combines time-tested educational concepts, input from thousands of teachers, and advances in modern technology. Using solid pedagogy written by Robert Sheldon, Bob Phillips, Dave Black and Peter Boonshaft - the methods can be customized by teachers to use their own experiences in creating the best approach for their unique classroom.
This is a good method book for an accelerated class, such as a Grade 9 optional credit beginner class.
Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Young, Intermediate, and Advanced Concert Band *are* a complete curriculae for band students to help them grow as ensemble musicians. The series complements any band method and supplements any performance music. In the Young Band Volume, (graded from 0.5-1.5), the following fundamentals are highlighted:
The Intermediate Volume showcases an assortment of exercises is grouped by key and presented in a variety of intermediate difficulty levels. Where possible, several exercises in the same category are provided to allow variety, while still accomplishing the goals of that specific type of exercise. These are clearly marked with dynamics, articulations, style, and tempo for students to practice those aspects of performance. Other exercises are intentionally left flexible for the teacher to determine how best to use them in facilitating and addressing the needs and goals of their ensemble.
The Advanced version builds upon the concepts established in the Intermediate volume - with 399 new exercises that are more technically and musically challenging, including over 70 chorales.Exercises are grouped by key and presented in a variety of intermediate to advanced difficulty levels. Where possible, several exercises in the same category are provided to allow variety while accomplishing the same goals. Its flexibility makes it perfect for large ensemble rehearsals, lessons, and studio use.
The Intermediate Volume showcases an assortment of exercises is grouped by key and presented in a variety of intermediate difficulty levels. Where possible, several exercises in the same category are provided to allow variety, while still accomplishing the goals of that specific type of exercise. These are clearly marked with dynamics, articulations, style, and tempo for students to practice those aspects of performance. Other exercises are intentionally left flexible for the teacher to determine how best to use them in facilitating and addressing the needs and goals of their ensemble.
The Advanced version builds upon the concepts established in the Intermediate volume - with 399 new exercises that are more technically and musically challenging, including over 70 chorales.Exercises are grouped by key and presented in a variety of intermediate to advanced difficulty levels. Where possible, several exercises in the same category are provided to allow variety while accomplishing the same goals. Its flexibility makes it perfect for large ensemble rehearsals, lessons, and studio use.
A Comprehensive Approach to Rhythm
Habits of a Successful Musician is a complete full-band method that includes both physical and mental warm-ups. The foundation-building method begins with stretching and breathing exercises that continues with long tones, whole and diatonic scales, and articulation technique patterns.
Middle School Version also available.
Comprehensive studies in every major and minor key featuring:
Over 30 chorales with block chord studies! Whole instrument tuning - several recommended tuning notes for every instrument to get a complete picture of intonation. Whole section and whole band tuning chorales - get a quick snapshot of your band’s intonation and instantly hear any sections that are out of tune! Free downloadable drones in every key for directors who do not have access to more expensive solutions or need an “on the go” option!
Balance, blend, tone and intonation are just a few of the areas of musicianship that can improve when bands make playing chorales part of their rehearsal warm-up. This collection is flexibly scored to work as a solo, duet, or more up to full concert band instrumentation.
This book features scales, thirds, and arpeggios; technique, articulation, and melodious etudes; plus excerpts from the classical repertoire and full-band chorales in 16 major and minor keys
A complete warm up book containing units on lip slurs, chorales, major scales and scale studies, minor scales, chromatic scales, arpeggios, interval studies, articulation and dynamic studies, rhythm studies, and rudiment review.
Contains tune up/warm up, key preparation, and rhythm preparation, harmony and ear training, exercises and chorales which all stress fundamentals.
This book features scales, thirds, and arpeggios; technique, articulation, and melodious etudes; plus excerpts from the classical repertoire and full-band chorales in 16 major and minor keys
This is a scale and key driven technical excercise method. By using Foundations for Superior Performance, you will see improvement in tone production; articulation; flexibility; agility; endurance; range; listening skills; technique and understanding basic music theory.
Excellence in Chamber Music Book 1 is correlated with Tradition of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method, Book 1.
Titles include: Camptown Races; When the Saints Go Marching In; Bella Bimba; Trumpet Voluntary; Amazing Grace; Samba-lele; Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon and more
Titles include: Still, Still, Still; Minuet; This Train; Battle Pavane; The Galway Piper; Theme from Renaissance Festival and Dances; Blow Away the Morning Dew; Procession of the Nobles; Cindy; Water Come a Me Eye; March of the Toreadors from Carmen; Lisbon Bay; Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel; When Johnny Comes Marching Home and The British Grenadiers.
Mix and match any combination of band instruments. Playable as solos, duets, trios and larger ensembles up to full concert band in endless combinations. A perfect choice for festivals, concerts, or ensemble practice!
Titles include: Shenandoah, Holst Intermezzo from First Suite in E Flat, Rondeau, Greensleeves, Arirang, Chorale from Jupiter, Spring from the Four Seasons, and so much more
In order to achieve success, students must enjoy the music they’re playing – and here’s the collection of tunes that everyone will love! First Performance and First Performance Plus each include 13 Songs for Beginning Band - Grades 0.5 to 1.5 - that represent a variety of musical styles such as rock, swing, marches, and traditional folk songs.
First Place for Jazz is a comprehensive jazz curriculum built from the ground up — essential for implementing the jazz ensemble curriculum. The book is divided into three sections by key: Concert Bb, F, and Eb. Within each section the major, Mixolydian, Dorian, and blues scales and correlated chords of that key are introduced through Jazz Starters, Rhythm Section Spotlights, and Rhythm Sectionals. These enrichments prepare students to play each of the 12 original grade 1-2 Jazz Ensemble Charts and Lead Sheets. Suitable for group or individual instruction, this unique organization, combined with a host of innovative features including Kjos Interactive Practice Studio and availability in SmartMusic, will provide bands with the tools it will need.
Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble is a comprehensive method for jazz style and improvisation written by renowned jazz musician and educator Mike Steinel from the University of North Texas. This series provides a great starting point for young musicians to learn the style and nuances of jazz music as well as an introduction to improvisation and more advanced concepts.
This is a comprehensive method for developing the skills of your young jazz students! Ideal for group or individual study, each part book comes with an accompaniment CD. Easy-to-use Rhythm Studies, Improvisation Studies, special rhythm section exercises and full jazz ensemble charts all come together to provide the most comprehensive introduction to jazz possible! The Director Score includes all music and text from the student books, plus teaching tips, rehearsal suggestions, articles on various aspects of putting together a band, and many activities to help reinforce students’ abilities. Written by Dean Sorenson, the head of jazz studies at The University of Minnesota, and Bruce Pearson - author of Standard of Excellence Band Method.
Includes: All of Me, Ballad for a Blue Horn, Basin Street Blues, Blues for a New Day, Bubbert Goes Retro, Bubbert's Groove, Ja-Da, Mister Cool, On Broadway, Perfidia, Satin Doll, So What, Song for San Miguel, Sunday Afternoon and Take the “A” Train.
Includes: All Blues; All of Me; Beyond the Sea; Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy; Freddie Freeloader; Green Onions; Hey Jude; In a Sentimental Mood; Kansas City; Respect; Saxes with Attitude; Sesame Street Theme; Sidewinder; Tuxedo Junction; and 25 or 6 to 4.
Includes: Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home; Embraceable You (from "Girl Crazy"); First Time Around; Gospel; Hot Chocolate (from "The Polar Express"); Jazzmin Tea; Jingle Bell Rock; Poco Loco; Splanky; Sunday Morning; T.M.I. (Too Much Information); The Birth of the Blues (from "George White's Scandals").
Includes: Stompin' at the Savoy; Sing, Sing, Sing; My Funny Valentine; Moondance; Cantaloupe Island; Drummin' Man; Count Bubba's Revenge; Now What; Swingin' Shanty; Sambeando; Grooved Pavement; I'll Be Home / Santa Claus Is Comin to Town / Have Yourself Merry / Frosty Snowman Medley.
Includes: Chattanooga Choo Choo, El Gato Gordo (The Fat Cat), James Bond Theme, Jazzy Merry Chrstmas, The Judge, Li'l Darlin', Loosen Up, One O'Clock Jump, Over the Rainbow (from "The Wizard of Oz"), Peter Gunn (from "Peter Gunn"), Rock This Town, The Pink Panther (from "The Pink Panther").
Includes: Burritos to Go, Blues in the Night, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Jumpin' at the Woodside, Jungle Boogie, Misty (Instrumental), Night and Day (from "Gay Divorcee"), On Green Dolphin Street, Sax to the Max, Take Five, Tastes Like Chicken, Summertime (from "Porgy and Bess").
Includes: April in Paris, Blues Machine, Georgia on My Mind, Harlem Nocturne, I Heard It through the Grapevine, It Don't Mean a Thing, Mission: Impossible Theme, Mood Indigo, Moten Swing, On Broadway, Rock Around the Clock, A String of Pearls, T.W.A. (Trumpets with Attitude), Tangerine, and Tequila.
Includes: At the Hop, Beauty and the Beast, Brain Sprain, Breezin', Discover the Blues, Frosty the Snow Man, Gimme Some Lovin', Hound Dog, Killer Joe, Kiss the Girl, Malagueña, Spinning Wheel, Tin Roof Blues, The Twist, Twist and Shout.
Includes: Basic Basie; Basin Street Blues; Blues for Mr. B; Down for the Count; Fast Break; Hangin' In; Here's That Rainy Day; How High the Moon; Louie, Louie; Mercy, Mercy, Mercy; My Funny Valentine; Satin Doll; Stand by Me; Tuxedo Junction; Woodchopper's Ball.
Sound Innovations for String Orchestra is a revolutionary, flexible, and comprehensive method that combines time-tested educational concepts, input from thousands of teachers, and advances in modern technology. A logical sequence, clean page layouts, clear goals for each exercise, and uncomplicated explanations combined with instrument-specific MasterClass videos and varied accompaniments will foster better comprehension and improved execution of technique. The content is organized into six short levels, providing benchmarks, assessment indicators, and intermediate goals.
Habits of a Successful String Musician is a field-tested, vital, and musical collection of almost 400 sequenced exercises for building fundamentals. Perfect to use with the entire string orchestra or solo player at virtually any skill level, this series contains carefully sequenced warm-ups, sight-reading etudes, rhythm vocabulary studies, chorales, tuning canons, and much more. of great literature.
Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician adds to the series with an additional 300 sequenced exercises.
String Basics: Steps to Success for String Orchestra” is a comprehensive method for beginning string classes. Through technical exercises, music from around the world, classical themes by the masters, and original compositions, students will learn to play their stringed instruments in an orchestra. Step-by-step sequences of instruction will prove invaluable as students learn to hold their instruments and bows, finger new notes, count different rhythms, read music notation, and more. Clear, full-color photographs and fingering chart diagrams introduce playing positions, bow holding and bowing, and left-hand finger patterns. Duets, rounds, trios, and orchestra arrangements develop students’ ability to play in an ensemble setting right away, thereby strengthening ear training and intonation. The “Interactive Practice Studio” is a unique downloadable resource containing a wealth of supporting biographical, historical, and cultural information: photos; maps; artwork; audio samples; video and more.
This classic and complete method covers virtually every aspect of beginning through intermediate string study, emphasizing technical skills, rhythmic understanding, and quality musical experiences. The method can be used just as well for private instruction.
For teachers everywhere, Essential Elements has continued as the standard of string pedagogy. Its carefully designed curriculum makes student learning efficient, yet fun, at all levels. In addition, Essential Elements continues its innovation with powerful technology-based learning tools, supplementary components, and correlated performance materials.
Music Theory for the Successful String Musician is the music theory and history curriculum string programs have been waiting for. In two carefully crafted books, author Christopher Selby presents a comprehensive and pedagogically sound sequence specifically for orchestral string students and also addresses questions and offers guidance in resolving problems that are unique to the orchestra classroom.
This curriculum will help directors teach music theory, music literacy, music history, and creativity—all of those hard-to-reach standards that ultimately help music students become more well-rounded and better performers, creators, and consumers of great music. Students will learn:
• Tonal literacy. Fingerboard maps and diagrams teach students how all sharp, flat, and natural notes on the staff relate to the spaces on the fingerboard. Sequential lessons introduce students to minor and major seconds and the effects that key signatures and accidentals have on finger patterns. Students also learn about thirds, tetrachords, and key signatures for all major and minor scales.
• Rhythmic literacy. The rhythm units teach students how to mark their music so they can perform rhythms independently, correctly, and confidently. Students will learn to read and decipher complex dotted, tied, and syncopated rhythms, as well as the longer notes and rests that are common in orchestra music.
• Historical awareness. Students will learn the evolution of string instruments and how string music has evolved over the past four centuries. They will learn about some of the great composers and musical genres from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras.
• Creative activities. Creativity units teach students how to write down their ideas while also encouraging them to break free from written notation and focus on the enjoyment of making their own music with friends. These units give students opportunities to contribute their own ideas to the ever-evolving field of string music.
Sound Innovations: Sound Development emphasizes playing with a characteristic beautiful sound. The components of producing this sound are broken into four levels, consistent with the revolutionary Sound Innovations structure: (1) Sound Tone, (2) Sound Bowings, (3) Sound Shifting, and (4) Sound Scales, Arpeggios, Chorales, and Rhythms.
The flexible levels can be used in the order that is best for your students, as individual warm-ups or as structured units. Your students will learn the proper use of the bow with the variables of tone, the next group of bowings needed for intermediate repertoire, and how to shift and play with vibrato. These skills are reinforced with comprehensive scales, arpeggios, sight-reading materials, rhythm exercises, and warm-up chorales. Video demonstrations of key skills are referenced in the book and can be viewed online at www.alfred.com/SoundDevelopmentVideo.
Bach and Before for Strings is a versatile collection of 19 Bach chorales. The chorales range in difficulty from easy to very sophisticated and are suitable for year two through high school string orchestras. Great for warm-up and teaching, as well as performance.
A full collection of scales, chorales, etudes, and an expanded alternative styles section all in one book! Includes: One and two octave scale patterns; Major, natural minor and melodic minor; Improvisation loops, studies and tunes for training in alternative styles; Blues, mixolydian and lydian scales; Etudes; Chorales; and Rhythm Studies.
FLEXible collections that supplement the String Basics method series. Music includes original works along with classical and folk song themes and a few favorite holiday tunes.
***There are MANY MANY Band, Jazz, & String Method and Collection books out there. We carry ALL OF THEM, and they are all available for sale prices during September & October. Click here to order a method/collection book not found on this page. Contact us for prices on these and guitar/uke/theory class books as well!
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