Belwin 21st Century Band Method, Level 2: Bassoon Book

This method book understands that bassoon students thrive when they encounter recognizable music early. The inclusion of standards like "Sleigh Ride" and the "Star Wars" theme keeps young players engaged while building fundamentals, and the multiple accompaniment styles available through MakeMusic Cloud let you customize the sound without rearranging. The thoughtful commissioning of two original performance pieces by Elliot del Borgo and Larry Clark ensures students have grade-appropriate concert material that respects the bassoon's voice.

Familiar melodies meet serious musicianship. You get the immediate reward of recognizing "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" alongside the satisfaction of tackling a commissioned piece designed specifically for your level. The mix of classical, world music, and patriotic material creates a program that feels both accessible and artistically substantive.

This book serves bassoon students who have completed Level 1 and are ready to expand their range and rhythmic vocabulary. It works equally well in full concert band settings and small woodwind ensembles, providing material scaled for players roughly in grades 4-6 or equivalent intermediate level.

• Explore the different accompaniment options in MakeMusic Cloud for the popular songs; switching between styles keeps rehearsals dynamic and shows students how the same melody adapts across musical contexts.
• Use the snare drum and auxiliary percussion exercises on the left-hand pages to build listening skills and independence when other sections enter during ensemble pieces.
• Start with the CD accompaniment to establish tempo and style reference, then gradually shift to live pianist accompaniment as ensemble confidence grows.

Program the commissioned pieces (Celtic Air and Dance and Destiny) as standalone performance items on a winter or spring concert; they give your band a distinctly curated, concert-quality sound. Weave the popular standards throughout the year as sectional warm-ups or short ensemble breaks during longer rehearsals, or group them thematically for a themed concert that speaks to general audiences and families.

• Extended range on bassoon with secure intonation
• Scale studies across multiple keys and modes
• Rhythmic reading including syncopation and mixed meters
• Ensemble balance and blend within concert band texture
• Style interpretation across classical, world music, and contemporary idioms
• Sight-reading accuracy in real performance contexts