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

This book launches baritone saxophonists with a method designed by someone who understands how students actually progress from day one. Ployhar's 32-page approach gives you a focused, manageable pathway without overwhelming students with excessive material; the carefully sequenced exercises and pieces keep engagement high while building foundational skills methodically.

Straightforward and encouraging. The material unfolds logically, introducing new ranges and rhythmic concepts at a pace that builds confidence without creating frustration. Students experience early success with simple melodies before tackling ensemble coordination.

First-year baritone saxophone students in full band settings and individual instruction. This book works equally well for students beginning on baritone sax or transitioning from another instrument.

• Build tone production before speed. Ployhar sequences material to emphasize steady air support and clear articulation on longer note values before introducing rapid passages.
• Use the included exercises as daily warm-up material rather than one-time assignments. Returning to earlier pages reinforces embouchure consistency across the range.
• Play along with the full band arrangements when available to hear how baritone sax voices within the section. This contextual learning solidifies intonation and blend.

Implement this as your primary method for baritone sax instruction during the first year or first semester of band. Its 32-page structure fits neatly into a semester of focused skill development, allowing you to layer supplementary technique books and ensemble materials from the Contemporary Band Course as students progress.

• Basic tone production and embouchure formation on E-flat baritone saxophone
• Reading in treble clef with ledger lines extending into the upper register
• Rhythmic accuracy in whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes with rests
• Low register fingering and intonation control
• Articulation techniques using single tonguing
• Breathing placement and phrase structure
• Basic dynamics and style markings in ensemble context