Belwin 21st Century Band Method, Level 2: E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

Level 2 delivers genuine progress without overwhelming students. The balance of technical work (scales, rhythms, expanding range) alongside recognizable songs and two substantial commissioned pieces means students see concrete growth while staying engaged with music they actually want to play. The inclusion of multiple accompaniment styles through both CD and MakeMusic Cloud opens doors for varied rehearsal approaches and solo practice scenarios.

Level 2 feels like stepping into a bigger musical world. Ranges widen, rhythmic independence deepens, and suddenly a student can tackle Celtic harmonies, navigate syncopation, and play alongside their bandmates with real musicianship rather than just note-reading. The mix of classical, world music, and beloved film and pop standards creates a sense of musical variety and cultural inclusion that keeps practice sessions fresh.

This book serves second-year alto saxophone students in beginning concert band programs who are ready to build on solid fundamentals with increased technical demands and richer repertoire. Students benefit from instruction in small sections or private lessons as well as ensemble settings where they can apply expanding skills to coordinated musical performance.

• Explore the MakeMusic Cloud accompaniments before rehearsal. The style variations transform how students hear the same exercise or piece, which sharpens their listening and adaptability in ensemble contexts.
• Work through the percussion book simultaneously if your program includes drummers. The integrated layout means your full ensemble stays coordinated, and percussionists develop part-awareness alongside their own technical skills.
• Tackle the commissioned pieces (Celtic Air and Dance, Destiny) as performance goals rather than technical etudes. They anchor the method with rewarding musical moments that justify the foundational work leading up to them.
• Use the popular standards strategically across the year. Rotating through Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Star Wars keeps motivation high during scale and rhythm drills, and gives students concert-worthy material early in their development.

Pair Level 2 with your first rehearsal season or beginning of year two in a multi-level band program. The commissioned pieces work especially well in holiday or spring concerts where you need dependable, musically substantive repertoire from developing players. Layer the popular standards into sectional rehearsals and individual practice assignments to build confidence between full-ensemble meetings.

• Extended range on alto saxophone beyond beginner register
• Scale studies with systematic technique development
• Reading mixed rhythmic patterns and syncopated figures
• Ensemble balance and blend within concert band texture
• Phrasing and articulation applied to melodic material
• Sight-reading across diverse musical styles (classical, folk, contemporary)