Sound Innovations

Teachers keep coming back to Bob Phillips' Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 2: Violin Book and Robert Sheldon's Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 2 for both trumpet and clarinet. Peter Boonshaft's Ensemble Development for Intermediate Concert Band (Flute Book) is another staple in intermediate band programs. The series has proven staying power because it works: clear pedagogy, logical scope and sequence, and reliable online media support across all major books.

Recent additions include Bright Horizon (Concert Band) by Scott Watson, Dorian Doodles (String Orchestra) by Jim Palmer, Bone-a-fied (Concert Band) by Robert Sheldon, A Welsh Lullaby (String Orchestra) by Richard Meyer, and Captain Hook (String Orchestra) by Chris M. Bernotas, all published in June 2026.

Bob Phillips is the lead voice in string education across this collection, having authored all six levels of Sound Innovations for Strings. His approach to large group pedagogy and eclectic style development has made his books core adoptions in thousands of string programs. Robert Sheldon's work in wind band education carries the same weight; as one of today's most performed composers, his Sound Innovations for Concert Band titles dominate the best-seller list and establish the standard for methodical concert band instruction. Peter Boonshaft brings a reputation as a dynamic voice in music education with real classroom credibility, and his contributions to the Ensemble Development series give intermediate conductors flexible options for mixed-ability groups. Chris M. Bernotas combines his role as Director of Instrumental Publications for Alfred Music with prolific composition, bringing accessibility and emotional depth to pieces like Captain Hook that engage young orchestras while staying musically substantive.