Measures of Success Band Method

Teachers consistently return to Deborah A. Sheldon's instrument-specific method books: the Clarinet Book 1, Trumpet Book 1, and Flute Book 1 remain core resources in band programs nationwide. The Trombone and Alto Saxophone volumes in Book 1 are equally popular choices for directors outfitting full sections, and the progression into Book 2 titles like Sheldon's Trumpet Book 2 supports musicians moving beyond fundamentals.

Deborah A. Sheldon is the primary architect of this method series, authoring all 40 titles in the collection. Her work in Measures of Success provides systematic, instrument-specific instruction designed for ensemble building from the ground up.

Brian Balmages is a composer and conductor whose work spans orchestral, band, and chamber music at every level, from elementary schools to professional symphony orchestras. His compositions have been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House, and he is a recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association.

Timothy Loest brings versatility and pedagogical insight to his compositions and conducting work. His pieces for young band are performed globally, and his methods influence performers at state and national levels. In 2017, his composition Cloud Gate drew over 5,000 spectators at Chicago's Millennium Park, and he received the Illinois Grade School Music Association's highest honor, the Cloyd Myers Award.

Robert Sheldon stands among the most performed composers of wind band music today. He is the lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band and has received numerous awards from the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP. His compositions are performed internationally and appear on many competitive and contest programs.