Alfred's Basic Solos and Ensembles, Book 2: Cornet, Baritone T.C. Book

This book solves the real challenge of finding repertoire that matches exactly where your students are in the Alfred's method. The solos, duets, and trios work for any instrumental combination, which means you can assign them flexibly during sectionals without scrambling for parts. Mini-bios of the composers add historical context without feeling like busywork.

These pieces carry the clarity and directness of foundational band music, with straightforward melodies and supportive harmonies that let individual voices shine. The duets and trios feel collaborative rather than competitive, inviting players to listen across parts and lock in together.

This book is designed for students working through Alfred's Basic Band Method Book 2, making it ideal for beginning band programs in grades 4-6. Cornet and baritone T.C. players will find repertoire calibrated to their technical level, with arrangements that let them participate meaningfully in ensemble work alongside their section.

• Use sectional rehearsal time to rotate students through different parts. A student playing trio first violin can lead from the top, then take a secondary role in the next piece to build ensemble awareness.
• Start with unison passages to establish intonation and phrasing before splitting into parts. This gives everyone a shared reference point.
• Encourage students to listen actively to their stand partner while playing. Even in a duet, one player should occasionally shadow the other's line to develop interdependence.
• Assign pieces strategically across your rehearsal calendar so students perform them fresh, ideally within 1-2 weeks of covering the corresponding unit in the method.

Coordinate rehearsals around the Alfred's method sequence so students tackle Book 2 Unit 7 repertoire in class, then perform the corresponding solo or ensemble piece at a sectional or informal concert. This reinforces the connection between method work and real musical performance, keeping motivation high.

• Playing through ensemble textures (unison, parallel thirds, simple four-part writing)
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in duet and trio settings
• Sight-reading scores with two to three parts
• Sustaining independent lines while listening to others
• Phrasing and intonation at a foundational level