Accent on Ensembles, Book 2: B-flat Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Book

This collection gives you genuine repertoire that feels like real music, not just exercises. The flexible instrumentation means you're not scrambling to find substitute parts when you have an odd combination of players, and the titles span from folk standards to blues, so your clarinetists actually care about what they're playing.

Opening this book feels like stepping into a genuine musical conversation rather than a technical exercise. The arrangements honor the character of each piece while keeping the writing simple enough that young players can focus on ensemble listening and phrasing instead of wrestling with the notes.

This book works for middle school and early high school clarinets who have completed Accent on Achievement Book 1 material. It's also valuable for mixed-level groups where you need flexible parts that don't require extensive transposition or doubling up on every section.

• Balance the Londonderry Air carefully so the melody sings through even when other voices fill in the harmony. Young players often bury the tune rather than supporting it.
• Treat the Stompin' Feet Blues like a rhythm ensemble first. Lock the basic groove before worrying about stylistic articulation or swing feel.
• Let the Medieval Festival's shifts between styles show in your approach. The tonal character should change noticeably as you move between sections.
• In the Stephen Foster Fantasy, mark breathing points that keep phrases intact. The medley format can fragment if you're not intentional about musical lines.

These ensembles shine during spring contest season when your rehearsal schedule fragments and small groups need substantial, performance-ready material. You can also use them as reading reinforcement in section rehearsals or as confidence builders for students who feel anxious about solo opportunities.

• Ensemble balance and blend in small group settings
• Maintaining steady pulse when playing harmonic support
• Reading multiple styles and articulation markings
• Collaborative listening and adjustment to other players
• Phrasing awareness across connected melodic lines