Belwin Beginning Band, Book One (featuring the works of Michael Story): E-flat Alto Saxophone/E-flat Baritone Saxophone Book

Having the composer's own voice guiding students through his work transforms a collection into a masterclass. Story's instructional comments on the conductor CD provide direct insight into his compositional choices, phrasing intentions, and the stories behind each piece, making rehearsal time more purposeful and performance more expressive. Your students hear not just the notes but the thinking of a working composer.

These eleven pieces span from the swaggering confidence of a Western march to the lyric beauty of a Japanese folk song adaptation. Each movement brings a distinct mood; you move from bright fanfares to dance rhythms to gentle ballads, keeping rehearsals dynamic and giving students real variety in what they're asked to play.

Beginning band saxophonists encountering a diverse range of styles and compositional approaches. This collection serves alto and baritone players equally, offering both section-specific writing and moments of blend, making it ideal for players in their first or second year of study.

• Listen to Story's recorded commentary before rehearsing each piece so you can relay his intent to your section. His guidance on character and style shapes how students approach phrasing and articulation.
• Balance the alto and baritone saxophone parts carefully in ensemble passages. The alto usually carries melody or counter-melody, while baritone provides harmonic foundation; their balance determines the overall warmth of the sound.
• Use the conductor's verbal notes to address common challenges. Story often highlights where rhythmic precision or intonation matters most, allowing you to focus practice time efficiently.

Schedule one or two of these pieces on concert programs throughout the year, pairing them with repertoire from other composers to show students the range of band literature. The shorter, character-driven pieces work well as openers or encores, while the longer works like "American Fantasy" command a spot in the main program flow.

• Reading and performing in multiple keys (concert B-flat, E-flat, F, G, and A major)
• Articulation clarity and control across legato, staccato, and marcato styles
• Balancing melody and harmony parts within the saxophone section
• Phrasing and expression in contrasting musical styles (march, waltz, folk melody, fanfare)
• Intonation awareness in both soloistic and ensemble contexts