Band Today, Part 1: E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

Band Today anchors a complete, thoughtfully sequenced method that grows with your students from day one through advanced repertoire. Ployhar built the book on decades of classroom experience, so the pacing feels natural and the progression never overwhelms. Because it's part of a correlated curriculum with technique books, theory resources, and ensemble literature all designed to work together, you're not piecing together materials from different publishers; everything reinforces everything else.

The exercises feel purposeful rather than abstract; each one builds toward playing actual music. The progression from simple single-note lines to simple melodies with accompaniment keeps students engaged because they're playing recognizable material almost immediately, not drilling scales in isolation.

Beginning alto saxophonists in full band classes or private instruction. Whether teaching a mixed-instrument ensemble or working one-on-one, this book provides the structured fundamentals every young saxophonist needs, from embouchure and breath support through basic repertoire and ensemble reading.

• Establish the fingering patterns early and return to them frequently; consistency in the first month shapes technique for the entire year
• Play through the exercises yourself before assigning them so you can model the sound and articulation you expect
• Pair written rhythms with listening to the accompanying arrangements to help students connect notation to ensemble sound
• Mark problem measures in advance and isolate them in rehearsal rather than running full exercises end to end

Use this as your core method book for any saxophonist entering the program, pairing it with the supplementary technique and theory books to deepen understanding of the material. The 32-page format works well as a semester-long resource or a full-year foundation for students who will move into more advanced ensemble literature and solos as they develop.

• Proper embouchure formation and breath control
• Reading treble clef in quarter, half, and whole notes
• Finger position and basic major scale fingerings
• Articulation and tonguing technique
• Rhythmic accuracy in simple meters (2/4 and 4/4)
• Listening and blending in ensemble context