First Division Band Method, Part 1: E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

The First Division Band Method has proven itself across generations of students and directors, and this updated edition preserves the pedagogical sequence that works while refreshing the presentation. You get a method trusted by millions without having to rebuild your curriculum from scratch. The saxophone book progresses at a manageable pace, giving your reed players a solid foundation without overwhelming them.

Clear and straightforward. The method builds confidence through successful, incremental steps rather than surprise jumps in difficulty. You work through exercises and folk songs with a sense of steady progress, each page building naturally on what came before.

Beginning alto saxophone students in concert band settings who need a structured, proven path through the first year of study. Directors seeking a method that balances pedagogical rigor with student engagement will find the First Division approach reliable for their entire woodwind section.

• Establish a steady embouchure routine early; the method's sequential introduction of notes gives you time to reinforce proper mouth position before adding complexity.
• Use the songs and exercises as written initially, but once students demonstrate comfort, layer them with other instrumental parts from the method to build ensemble listening skills.
• Pay attention to the breath marks indicated in the text; they model healthy phrasing and prevent students from developing bad habits of running out of air mid-phrase.
• Rotate through the various song styles to keep practice engaging; the method includes different musical contexts that prevent monotony during daily fundamentals work.

Use this as your primary method text in the first year of band, working through it systematically during sectional and full-band rehearsals. The exercises can supplement your chosen concert repertoire, reinforcing technical concepts your students encounter in performance music. Many directors keep the method active throughout the year as a warm-up and technique resource.

• Reading in treble clef with proper notation literacy
• Tone production and breath control on E-flat alto saxophone
• Articulation and tonguing technique
• Fingering accuracy across the lower and middle register
• Rhythmic accuracy in simple meters
• Proper hand position and instrument care
• Ensemble listening and balance awareness