Band Today, Part 2: B-flat Tenor Saxophone Book

Band Today, Part 2 continues what makes the Contemporary Band Course distinctive: methodical progression that respects students' growing musicianship without overwhelming them. Ployhar structures intermediate development around actual rehearsal needs, building both technical facility and musical understanding in tandem. Saxophonists at this level gain the confidence to read across registers, hold their part with independence, and contribute meaningfully to ensemble sound.

Purposeful and encouraging. The material moves students into slightly more sophisticated harmonic territory and longer musical phrases without abandoning clarity. Tenor lines feel integrated into the ensemble context rather than isolated, giving saxophonists a genuine sense of membership and musical function.

Tenor saxophone students in their second year of band or those continuing their development through an intermediate curriculum. This book serves ensembles that use the Contemporary Band Course series as their foundational method, or any band program seeking a straightforward, sequential approach to building musicianship and ensemble contribution.

• Listen to how the tenor saxophone sits in the band texture at this level. Ployhar writes parts that often carry counter-melodies or harmonic foundation; focus on tone consistency and rhythmic precision rather than pushing for projection.
• Work through the exercises sequentially. Each new technical or tonal concept builds deliberately on the previous one, so skipping pages leaves gaps in muscle memory and confidence.
• Mark key signature changes and accidentals before rehearsal begins. The method introduces more complex harmonic movement as students advance, and advance preparation prevents hesitation during ensemble work.
• Pay attention to dynamic contrast within exercises and songs. Part 2 begins shaping musicianship through attention to shape and balance, not just note-reading.

Deploy Part 2 as your core method during year two of band enrollment or as a supplementary resource for students who need scaffolded review alongside more challenging repertoire. The 32-page format works well for distributed use throughout a semester, with lessons rotating alongside rehearsal of concert pieces. If your band studies Contemporary Band Course across multiple instruments, this book ensures consistent vocabulary and progression across your saxophone section.

• Reading across two and three ledger lines in the treble clef
• Tonguing articulation in varied rhythmic contexts
• Breath management across longer phrases
• Dynamic control and tone shaping
• Harmonic awareness and chord-tone function
• Part independence within ensemble settings
• Interpretation of tempo and style markings