First Division Band Method, Part 1: Baritone (B.C.) Book

This method has proven itself across generations and millions of students for one reason: it works. The sequence is genuinely thoughtful, introducing concepts in an order that makes sense to a young brass player's developing embouchure and reading skills. Directors choose this book because it builds real foundations without feeling like drudgery.

Steady and purposeful. The method respects the learning process, introducing one concept at a time without overwhelming the student. Each page builds confidence, and the inclusion of recognizable melodies and folk songs keeps young players engaged as they master the technical fundamentals.

Baritone players entering a band program for the first time, typically in grades 4-6. This book serves both the player discovering their instrument and the director building a systematic curriculum that connects across all sections of the band.

• Coordinate breathing exercises with the printed materials; use the sequential introduction of longer phrases to develop breath control naturally rather than forcing it.
• Work through the early exercises with attention to tone quality, not just note accuracy. The foundational exercises teach embouchure habits that will serve the student throughout their playing life.
• Pair written exercises with the corresponding concert band repertoire from your program whenever possible, so students hear how these fundamentals apply to actual music they're performing.

Assign this as the core learning resource in your first and second year band classes. The sequential design allows you to pace instruction across the entire school year, with supplementary repertoire selected to reinforce whatever technical concepts students are currently mastering in the method book.

• Reading treble and bass clefs in the context of baritone (B.C.) voicing
• Fundamental embouchure and tone production on a valved brass instrument
• Basic rhythmic reading and note accuracy
• Understanding of dynamic marking and basic articulation
• Breath control and phrasing across increasingly longer passages
• Note identification across the early range of the baritone