Belwin Young Band, Book One (featuring the works of Robert W. Smith): 2nd B-flat Clarinet Book

This collection puts the composer's own voice directly into your rehearsals. The included instructional CD features Smith's recorded comments to both directors and students, along with program notes for audiences, transforming these nine pieces from sheet music into a master class. You get immediate insight into the composer's intent and pedagogical thinking, which is rare and genuinely valuable in programming contemporary band music.

These nine pieces move through a range of moods, from ceremonial pageantry and fanfare-driven moments to jubilant dance characters and hunting scene energy. Smith's writing for 2nd clarinet maintains musical interest throughout rather than relegating the part to background; you're an active voice in the ensemble, not a filler voice.

Developing band clarinetists who benefit from strong melodic and countermelodic writing at an accessible level. This book serves directors building programs around contemporary American concert band literature, especially those seeking teaching moments where students hear directly from the composer about his own work.

• Listen to Smith's recorded comments for each piece before rehearsing; his directorial advice often clarifies articulation and phrasing decisions that might otherwise remain ambiguous.
• Balance the 2nd clarinet line against the 1st clarinet parts, as Smith's orchestration typically weaves both voices into the melodic texture rather than relegating seconds to pure harmonic support.
• Pay attention to the character markings and tempo indications; Smith's titles (Fanfare, Procession, Exaltations, Hunt) are literal guides to the musical character and should shape your interpretation of dynamics and articulation.
• Use the program notes provided on the CD to help students understand the historical or thematic references behind each piece; context deepens engagement and musical ownership.

This collection works beautifully as a program cornerstone for a concert focused on American band composers, allowing you to feature multiple Smith works in a single event. The variety of keys and tempos means you can intersperse these pieces with other composers without monotony, or build an entire concert around exploring Smith's range as a storyteller and orchestrator.

• Reading multiple articulation styles within a single piece (staccato, legato, accent patterns)
• Maintaining consistent 2nd clarinet lines while listening to 1st clarinet melody without doubling or overshadowing it
• Understanding thematic development and character transformation across fanfare, processional, and celebratory idioms
• Responding to compositional intent by connecting musical content to extra-musical titles and program notes