Belwin 21st Century Band Method, Level 2: Baritone T.C. Book

Level 2 students benefit from Bullock and Maiello's thoughtful progression that expands range and technical facility without abandoning musicality. The inclusion of 11 recognizable standards alongside classical, world music, and patriotic pieces keeps young baritone players engaged while building fundamentals. Commissioning fresh performance works from Elliot del Borgo and Larry Clark signals respect for this stage of development, offering students material worth investing time in mastering.

Level 2 opens up the baritone's voice. The expanded range lets you explore both the warmth of your lower register and the brightness available higher up, while standard songs like Sleigh Ride and the Star Wars theme give you melodies that resonate beyond the practice room. Commissioning pieces from respected composers signals that your instrument and your progress matter.

Baritone players in their second year of band study who have completed Level 1 and are ready to expand their technical range and ensemble responsibility. These students benefit from method books that balance structured skill-building with music they recognize and enjoy playing together.

• Balance your tone across the expanded range by maintaining consistent air support in the upper register; the standard songs provide immediate context for applying this control.
• Work through the scale studies systematically before tackling the performance pieces; they isolate exactly the technical patterns these songs and classical works require.
• Explore multiple accompaniment styles available on MakeMusic Cloud for pieces you're learning; hearing the same melody with different musical textures deepens your understanding of phrasing and style.
• Record yourself playing the rhythm exercises and listen back with fresh ears; identifying where your rhythmic precision breaks down reveals which patterns need additional practice time.

Layer Level 2 study into your band's fall concert programming by assigning Celtic Air and Dance or Destiny as showcase pieces that demonstrate growth from the previous year. The popular standards work equally well as standalone arrangements for holiday concerts or as teaching tools during the academic year when ensemble cohesion and individual range development are priorities.

• Reading and performing in expanded range with consistent tone and intonation
• Scale study and technique building across major keys and intervals
• Rhythmic accuracy in mixed meters and syncopated figures
• Ensemble balance and part awareness in concert band texture
• Musical interpretation through multiple accompaniment styles and performance contexts
• Sight-reading facility with classical, folk, and popular musical styles