Band Today, Part 1: Baritone (B.C.) Book

Band Today anchors countless beginning band programs because Ployhar understood the specific challenges of teaching a full ensemble from day one. The Contemporary Band Course doesn't rush students through isolated exercises; instead, it builds musicianship through carefully sequenced, playable material that keeps young musicians engaged while their fundamentals solidify. Baritone players benefit from writing that sits comfortably in their range and voice while supporting the harmonic foundation that makes a beginning band sound whole.

The book guides baritone players through foundational exercises and short musical phrases that build comfort with the instrument's mechanics and range. As students progress, they encounter material that sounds like real music rather than disconnected drills, creating the rewarding feeling of making immediate contributions to an ensemble.

Band Today Part 1 for baritone serves students in their first band experience, whether in a full ensemble class or private study. Beginning baritone players benefit from the method's gradual progression and the opportunity to contribute immediately to a functioning band sound.

• Maintain a steady, supported tone throughout the lower staff register; baritones are the harmonic anchor of the band, so consistency matters more than showiness.
• Balance your dynamic markings against the ensemble sound rather than playing at the marked dynamic in isolation; beginning bands often need baritones to listen across the entire section.
• Work intonation carefully in the lower register, where pitch issues compound quickly; a tuner and regular long-tone practice will address this faster than sight-reading speed.

Use this book as your primary instructional text for baritone students in beginning band. Its correlated approach means baritone students can rehearse alongside other sections using their own part books, creating a unified learning experience where every instrument moves at the same pedagogical pace.

• Reading treble clef on the baritone staff
• Breath control and supported tone production
• Basic valve coordination and fingering patterns
• Ensemble balance and listening skills
• Note accuracy in the lower register
• Rhythmic accuracy in common and simple meters