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

Bullock and Maiello built this method around the reality of what keeps student drummers engaged: familiar songs mixed with quality concert pieces, all paced thoughtfully as a natural continuation from Level One. The integration of snare drum, bass drum, auxiliary percussion, and keyboard percussion on alternating pages means students develop facility across the entire percussion section without reaching for multiple books. The accompaniment options through MakeMusic Cloud (not just the single CD) give you flexibility to match rehearsal energy and match the instrumentation you actually have in the room.

The repertoire spans from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Sleigh Ride" to the commissioned pieces "Celtic Air and Dance" and "Destiny," creating a musical landscape that balances accessibility with artistic growth. Students encounter classical foundations, world music textures, patriotic traditions, and film themes, so the percussion chair becomes a seat that sees the full breadth of concert band literature rather than isolated technical exercises.

This book serves Level 2 percussion students in concert bands who have completed Level One of the method. It works for mixed-age sections where some students play snare and bass drum while others focus on keyboard percussion, since the book accommodates both on adjacent pages.

• Coordinate stick heights and rebound control between snare work and bass drum passages to maintain clear articulation across different volumes; this book's exercises are designed to build that control gradually.
• Take advantage of the multiple accompaniment styles available through MakeMusic Cloud, not just the CD version. Switching between swing, Latin, and straight feels for the same tune keeps rehearsals fresh and deepens the students' sense of how rhythmic flexibility works.
• When moving between the left-hand percussion pages and right-hand keyboard pages, have drummers mark transition points clearly so ensemble focus stays locked during rehearsal.

Use this book as your primary method text for a mixed percussion section in the second year of study, programming familiar songs early in the year to build confidence before moving into the commissioned performance pieces later. The classical and patriotic selections integrate naturally into spring concerts or heritage-themed programs, while pieces like the Star Wars theme appeal to students navigating the transition from recreational playing to ensemble musicianship.

• Extended range on snare drum, bass drum, and mallets
• Coordinated independence between snare work and bass drum patterns
• Reading and playing multiple accompaniment styles (swing, Latin, straight)
• Auxiliary percussion technique (triangle, woodblock, cymbals, tambourine)
• Keyboard percussion notation and mallet control
• Ensemble listening and rhythmic precision in mixed-meter contexts
• Sight-reading of varied rhythmic figures including syncopation