Alfred's Basic Solos and Ensembles, Book 2: Alto Sax Book

This book delivers exactly what middle school alto saxophonists need at the point they're ready for it. The solos and ensemble pieces reinforce what students are learning in their band method without feeling like drilling; instead, they get to play through arrangements of recognizable material and classical excerpts that feel rewarding. The flexibility to perform pieces as solos, duets, or trios means you can use these in sectionals, solo competitions, or full band contexts without reprinting a thing.

Moving from exercises to actual music. These pieces honor the classical and folk traditions they draw from while staying grounded in what students at this level can execute with real musicality.

Alto saxophonists working through Units 7, 10, and 14 of Alfred's Basic Band Method will find material that extends their learning directly. This book also serves any middle school alto player ready to explore solo and chamber playing without jumping into advanced literature.

• Pull out individual solos for sectional rehearsal when your alto section needs focused intonation work; the variety of musical styles here provides more engaging material than exercises alone.
• Use the ensemble pieces during sectional time to build rhythmic independence and listening skills, rotating who carries the melody among the alto players.
• Reference the included composer bios before rehearsal to give students context for what they're playing, which deepens engagement with the material.
• Pair these pieces with full band repertoire you're working on; a student who's playing a solo arrangement of material the ensemble is tackling gains confidence and ownership.

Build sectional rehearsal time around these pieces to make your alto section more self-directed and invested in their own sound. You can also rotate individual solos into your band's concert program as filler between larger ensemble works, or assign them as preparation for solo competition.

• Reading and performing melodic lines with consistent tone production
• Balancing dynamic control in both solos and ensemble textures
• Understanding phrase structure and musical shaping
• Listening and blending in small ensemble settings
• Building confidence with solo performance