A (Very) Short History of Music: E-flat Alto Saxophone

Name: A (Very) Short History of Music: E-flat Alto Saxophone
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PC-0018043_AX1
Price: 3.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Various / arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Grade: 1 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-PC-0018043_AX1

Digital Download

$3.00

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And they said it couldn't be done---a genuine setting that will demonstrate the unique roots of Western music in two-and-a-half minutes. This straightforward, compelling work chronicles the entire transformation throughout history. Certain to capture your students' imagination.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A (Very) Short History of Music: E-flat Alto Saxophone comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Belwin Beginning Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 132

SKU: 00-PC-0018043_AX1

More about this title

About the Arranger: Douglas E. Wagner

Douglas E. Wagner grew up in Chicago and earned degrees in music from Butler University before spending three decades as a high school music director and administrator. Since 1973, he has published over 3,500 works across choral, concert band, orchestral, handbell, organ, piano, and vocal genres, with his music performed in concert halls and broadcast on radio and television throughout the United States and internationally.

Wagner's prolific output has resulted in more than seventeen million copies of his music in circulation worldwide. Now based in Indianapolis, he focuses entirely on composition and arrangement, bringing the perspective of a career educator to every work he creates.

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Why we love this

Wagner proves that educational value and genuine musicianship can coexist at Grade 1. This arrangement packs a complete narrative arc into 2.5 minutes, making it engaging for students while respecting their musical intelligence. The straightforward orchestration means every section gets something meaningful to play, and the historical concept gives rehearsals real context beyond note-reading.

What to expect

A witty, energetic sprint through Western music history that feels both educational and fun. The piece bounces with the confidence of genuinely good writing scaled for young musicians, never talking down to the ensemble or asking them to play something hollow.

Who it's for

Beginning band programs looking for concert or festival repertoire that actually engages students musically rather than just keeping them busy. This works equally well for Grade 1 bands early in the school year or for a mixed-ability ensemble where accessibility matters without sacrificing musicality.

How to get the most out of it

Shape each historical period distinctly through articulation and dynamics rather than tempo shifts; this keeps the piece moving while clarifying the musical journey.
Balance the ensemble so that thematic material remains audible across all sections; at this level, clear voice-leading helps students understand what they're contributing to the whole.
Let the 2.5-minute duration work for you. The piece moves quickly, so secure the basic mechanics in sectionals before full ensemble rehearsals, freeing rehearsal time to focus on musical phrasing.

How to use it

Program this as a concert opener or closer to set a lighter, audience-engaging tone, or save it for a thematic concert exploring music history. It also works beautifully in a festival or contest setting where judges appreciate both accessibility and compositional craft.

Skills your students will build

Reading and playing extended phrases at Grade 1 level
Identifying and executing stylistic contrasts within a single piece
Balancing individual part lines within a full ensemble texture
Sustaining focus through a short but musically complete work