Accent on Achievement, Book 2: Trombone Book & Online Audio/Software

Book 2 arrives at the moment when trombonists need reinforcement of fundamentals without losing momentum. The integration of chorales, scale work, and full band arrangements means your students experience themselves as ensemble musicians, not just technique machines. The online audio keeps practices consistent across your section and makes home practice accessible for families without live accompaniment.

The trombone part balances melodic moments with supportive harmonic roles across varied genres. Students encounter everything from classical chorales to world music, each piece revealing something new about how their instrument contributes to ensemble color and function.

Book 2 serves trombonists progressing beyond fundamentals who are ready to tackle longer passages, more complex rhythms, and collaborative arrangements. Beginners in grades 5-8 will find the review cycle keeps earlier concepts fresh while introducing new technical and musical territory.

• Treat the chorales as vocal warm-ups for your tone production. Have students sing through them mentally before playing to secure the line and pitch center.
• Use the full band arrangements to establish section balance before full rehearsal. Small group run-throughs with the online audio build confidence and catch intonation drift early.
• Anchor rhythm and rest exercises at the start of each rehearsal. Five minutes of focused review ensures retention and prevents the pattern of relearning material week to week.
• Approach the lip slur exercises progressively; they are designed to increase range and flexibility, so resist the urge to rush or demand perfect execution before students are ready.

Use Book 2 as the core method through winter and spring, pacing the chorales and scale exercises to align with your ensemble's concert repertoire. The 11 band arrangements across Books 1 and 2 provide standalone pieces for section showcases or all-school performances without requiring additional purchases.

• Reading ledger lines and extended range on the staff
• Sustaining tone across longer phrases and dynamic contrasts
• Articulation clarity in varied rhythmic contexts
• Slide positioning for intonation accuracy in different registers
• Ensemble balance and blend within brass and full band textures
• Sight-reading unfamiliar chorales and arrangements