Band Today, Part 2: B-flat Trumpet (Cornet) Book

Ployhar's method builds on proven sequencing from Part 1 without losing momentum or oversimplifying the material. The intermediate level strikes a real balance between reinforcing fundamentals and introducing new technical and musical challenges that keep students engaged.

Steady progress, one step at a time. The book moves logically through new keys, articulation patterns, and rhythmic figures, each one arriving when you're ready for it rather than all at once.

Trumpet and cornet players who have completed Part 1 of the Contemporary Band Course and are ready to deepen their intermediate skills. Students in middle school or early high school band programs will find material that develops range, tone control, and musical expression without overwhelming them.

• Work through the material in order. Ployhar designed each page to build on the previous one, so skipping around will leave gaps in the student's understanding of ranges, articulation, and musical phrasing.
• Use band rehearsal time to play through the exercises and etudes alongside your section mates. Hearing trumpet parts in context (not in isolation at home) helps students understand their role in the ensemble sound.
• Pay attention to the dynamic and tempo markings on every exercise, even the warm-ups. Ployhar writes these intentionally to develop musicianship, not just technical facility.

Use this as your primary trumpet method text in a mixed-ability middle school or beginning high school band. The 32-page length makes it manageable alongside full band rehearsals, and it coordinates with method books for other instruments in the Contemporary Band Course series.

• Extended range development (moving safely into upper register)
• Tonguing and articulation techniques across different note lengths
• Reading in multiple keys beyond concert B-flat
• Dynamic control and phrase shaping
• Syncopation and mixed rhythmic patterns
• Sight-reading fluency at intermediate level