Band Today, Part 2: B-flat Clarinet Book

Band Today, Part 2 bridges the gap between foundational band concepts and more sophisticated musicianship without overwhelming students still building fundamental skills. The pacing and sequencing reflect Ployhar's classroom experience, so the material moves at a pace that actually works in real rehearsals. You'll find students gain confidence as genuine band musicians rather than as players working through disconnected exercises.

The material emphasizes musical continuity and ensemble responsibility, moving beyond isolated technique work into genuine band writing. Students experience themselves as part of a larger musical conversation rather than practicing in isolation, which sustains engagement and builds genuine musicianship.

Band Today, Part 2 serves clarinet players in intermediate band programs who have completed foundational method work and are ready to develop musicianship within a full ensemble context. Designed for students progressing from beginner materials, it equips them with skills to function as contributing band members rather than isolated players. This book pairs well with full ensemble instruction and sectional development in grades 4-6 concert bands.

• Assign parts systematically rather than jumping through the book; the carefully ordered progression means skipping around can leave students unprepared for rhythmic or harmonic challenges ahead.
• Use the mixed instrumentation writing to reinforce sectional listening; clarinet students benefit from tracking how their part fits within the full band texture.
• Anchor rhythm development by locking clarinet rhythm sections with percussion before pulling in upper woodwinds, which strengthens ensemble cohesion early.
• Return to earlier exercises when introducing new concepts; revisiting familiar material with newly learned skills reinforces retention and builds confidence.

Use this throughout the fall and winter of a student's second year in band, aligning it with full ensemble rehearsal pacing so clarinet-specific challenges coordinate with what the conductor is addressing in full sectionals. The 32-page format makes it manageable as a primary solo/sectional practice resource without overwhelming students or requiring excessive copying.

• Intermediate range extension on B-flat clarinet
• Reading and performing in multiple keys
• Executing rhythmic patterns including eighth-note subdivisions
• Blending tone quality within a section
• Understanding harmonic function within band arrangements
• Transposition awareness and part independence
• Tempo and dynamic control in ensemble contexts