Band Today, Part 2: Oboe Book

Ployhar's Band Today, Part 2 respects the oboe's technical demands while building genuine musicianship in intermediate players. The progression from part one to part two deepens rhythmic independence and intonation work without overwhelming students who are still developing embouchure control. This book serves as the bridge between foundational oboe playing and the more demanding concert band repertoire students will encounter, making it an essential anchor for any intermediate band curriculum.

Band Today, Part 2 combines purposeful technical work with accessible melodies that engage students' growing musical maturity. The writing avoids condescension while maintaining clarity; students feel their progress as exercises become more musical and band arrangements begin to showcase their voices alongside other instrumental colors.

Intermediate oboists who have completed foundational instruction and are ready to expand their range, rhythmic vocabulary, and musicianship within the concert band setting. This book serves students typically in grades 4-6 or those in their second or third year of oboe study who are participating in school band.

• Balance tone production across the full range of the book. Intermediate oboists often develop uneven tone quality between the lower and upper registers; consistent long tones at the start of each practice session will address this directly.
• Pay attention to articulation patterns in the written exercises. Ployhar incorporates both tongued and slurred passages intentionally; switching between them cleanly strengthens both technical control and musical expression.
• Approach reed selection thoughtfully as part of the learning process. Students at this level benefit from teacher guidance in matching reed response to their individual embouchure development rather than relying on a single reed for all playing.

Use this book as the primary oboe method running parallel to your concert band rehearsals during the intermediate band year. Its scope aligns naturally with the technical demands of early-intermediate band arrangements, allowing students to apply newly learned skills directly to ensemble repertoire. Consider assigning sections sequentially through the fall and spring to reinforce concepts introduced in band.

• Tone production and control across extended range
• Rhythmic accuracy in mixed meters and subdivisions
• Articulation techniques (staccato, legato, and tonguing variations)
• Intonation awareness and adjustment
• Reading ledger lines and accidentals in context
• Musical phrasing and expression marking interpretation