Band Today, Part 1: Conductor (Piano Acc.) Book

This conductor book anchors a method that has proven itself across decades and continents. Ployhar built the Contemporary Band Course with genuine classroom experience, so the progression and pacing reflect what actually works when teaching mixed-ability ensembles. The piano accompaniment part gives you flexible rehearsal support, whether you're conducting a full class or working with sectionals.

This method grounds students in foundational band skills with clarity and purpose. The progression feels intentional rather than arbitrary, moving from basic concepts into genuine musical expression without rushing the process.

Conductors teaching full band classes, instrument classes, or directing rehearsals that integrate the Contemporary Band Course. This book serves both classroom teachers new to band and experienced directors seeking a comprehensive, time-tested curriculum that builds systematically.

• Use the piano accompaniment to establish tonality and harmonic context during early band readings, helping students tune to the harmonic environment rather than relying solely on the director's pitch reference.
• Balance the accompaniment volume so it supports without overwhelming the band's developing intonation; this is especially valuable in early rehearsals when ensemble cohesion is still forming.
• Reference the score layout to identify which exercises and pieces scaffold particular technical or musical concepts, allowing you to preview what students need before they encounter it in the method.

Integrate this as your primary rehearsal and classroom reference throughout the year, moving sequentially through the material to ensure all students build the same technical and musical foundation. The structured approach works equally well for first-year band programs and for mixed-age ensembles where you need to address multiple skill levels within one class.

• Basic notation reading and rhythmic accuracy in simple meters
• Tone production and breath control through guided exercises
• Concert pitch awareness and transposition fundamentals
• Ensemble balance and blend within a mixed instrumentation
• Introductory music theory concepts integrated into performance
• Sight-reading fluency with progressively complex material