Belwin 21st Century Band Method, Level 1: E-flat Baritone Saxophone Book

This method respects the reality of school schedules and student motivation. Bullock and Maiello have designed a complete Level 1 that students can finish in one year, which means they experience genuine accomplishment rather than seeing the finish line perpetually recede. The steady mix of folk tunes, popular songs, classical pieces, and playful duets keeps baritone saxophonists engaged while building technique deliberately and without filler.

Learning an instrument should feel like progress, not punishment. This method builds technique steadily through recognizable melodies and styles students already enjoy, with enough variety to prevent boredom and enough structure to prevent confusion. The strategic placement of "Songs Just for the Fun of It" rewards effort and reminds players why music matters.

Baritone saxophonists starting their first year in band, whether in middle school or beginning high school. This book works equally well for students learning in a group band class or receiving private instruction alongside ensemble participation.

• Balance the duets and rounds by listening actively to your partner; the alternating parts work best when both players shape phrases together rather than playing mechanically in turn.
• Use the accompaniment CD to anchor your sense of ensemble sound and timing; this develops the ear more effectively than counting alone.
• Apply the theory exercises immediately to passages in the same lesson; connecting written understanding to what you're playing solidifies retention.
• Pay attention to the instrument-specific points included throughout; baritone sax has unique intonation and fingering challenges that these notes address directly.

Complete this book over the first year of band, aligning lessons with your ensemble's rehearsal pace. The three full concerts included provide performance opportunities at natural breaking points in the year, letting beginning players experience the ensemble context without waiting months for a public debut.

• Reading in treble clef and transposing for E-flat baritone saxophone
• Rhythmic accuracy through in-depth rhythm study and consistent reinforcement
• Duet playing and ensemble listening
• Music theory fundamentals through integrated exercises
• Intonation and technique specific to baritone saxophone
• Sight-reading across multiple musical styles (classical, folk, popular, traditional)