Band Today, Part 1: Bells Book

The Bells Book anchors your band's keyboard section with material that integrates seamlessly into the larger Contemporary Band Course framework. Ployhar's pedagogical clarity means bells students stay engaged with the full ensemble rather than working in isolation, building part awareness and rhythmic independence from day one.

The material unfolds gradually, building confidence through repetition and incremental technical demands. Students encounter melodies that sound musical even at early stages, creating the satisfaction of making real music rather than drilling exercises.

This book serves bells students in full band classes, beginners taking individual lessons on bells, or newer players who need a systematic introduction to the instrument. It works equally well for classroom band programs and private instruction settings.

• Work through passages hands separately before combining, especially in the early pages where coordination between sticks and feet matters most.
• Use a consistent grip and height at the bell stand so students develop muscle memory for accurate mallet placement.
• Encourage students to listen for their entrances in band context, not just follow written cues, to strengthen their sense of ensemble timing.
• Mark dynamic and articulation changes clearly in pencil so students see them as integral to musical shape, not afterthoughts.

Use this as the primary text for all bells students in your band program, pacing it alongside the woodwind and brass books from Band Today so your entire ensemble advances together. The 32-page format allows you to move through it over one or two semesters depending on your rehearsal schedule and student starting level.

• Basic mallet grip and fundamental stick control
• Reading treble clef with accuracy in quarter note and eighth note rhythms
• Playing simple melodies and rhythmic patterns with consistent tone
• Coordinating hands and feet for bell stand setup
• Understanding dynamic markings and applying them to performance
• Ensemble awareness and listening to balance with other band voices