Belwin Beginning Band, Book One (featuring the works of Michael Story): B-flat Tenor Saxophone/Baritone T.C. Book

Story's direct voice on the accompanying conductor recording transforms this collection into a master class. Rather than guessing at interpretation or program notes, your students hear from the composer himself about what makes each piece work musically and dramatically. The range of styles within one book keeps rehearsals fresh while maintaining the pedagogical focus appropriate for developing musicians.

These pieces capture the character of their titles without sacrificing musicality. You move from the swagger of Sax to the Max into the gentle beauty of Sakura, then leap into the celebratory energy of Carnival in Rio. Story writes melodies that stick with players and audiences alike, supported by harmonies that feel both contemporary and warm.

This book serves tenor saxophone and baritone saxophones (treble clef) in beginning concert bands ready for music beyond their core method book. Players need basic reading and ensemble skills but not advanced technical facility. Directors building programs around a single composer's philosophy will find this collection particularly valuable for its unified yet diverse musical voice.

• Listen to the composer's recorded comments before your first rehearsal. Story explains his intent for each piece, which clarifies phrasing and character choices your ensemble might otherwise overlook.
• Balance the energy of contrasting pieces across a rehearsal. The fanfare and march work well as energizers between lyrical selections like Sakura and the arrangement of Chester.
• Use the program notes provided for audience handouts. Story's insights help listeners understand what they are hearing, which deepens engagement with the concert.
• Isolate rhythmic sections in pieces like Carnival in Rio and Sax to the Max early in rehearsal, then build toward full ensemble passages.

Program individual selections across multiple concerts throughout the year rather than performing all eleven at once. A single Story piece works well as a concert opener or closer, and the holiday-themed pieces naturally fit winter programming. The variety allows you to feature your saxophone section while maintaining cohesion if you program three to four titles together under a thematic heading.

• Playing stylistically diverse repertoire (march, fantasia, Latin rhythm, arrangement)
• Reading rhythmic patterns specific to different musical genres
• Responding to composer intent through recorded instruction
• Intonation and tone matching in ensemble contexts with varying instrumentation
• Balancing articulation and legato across contrasting musical characters