First Division Band Method, Part 2: Trombone Book

This method has shaped generations of young trombonists because it balances technical fundamentals with genuine musicality from the start. The updated edition respects what made the original sequence work while bringing the presentation into the modern classroom.

The early material feels achievable and purposeful. Each exercise builds on what came before, creating a sense of forward progress without overwhelming the student with too many new concepts at once.

Young trombonists beginning their instrumental journey benefit most from this method's structured approach to early technique. It works equally well for students in school bands starting in middle school or older beginners picking up trombone for the first time.

• Establish a consistent warm-up routine using the opening exercises before moving into melodies; this builds embouchure awareness specific to the trombone's demands.
• Use a music stand at eye level and position the slide to avoid twisting your torso or neck during position changes.
• Practice the slide positions in isolation before adding air; muscle memory for positions develops faster when you separate the physical movement from the breathing challenge.
• Record yourself playing these early melodies to catch timing inconsistencies and intonation drift in the lower positions.

Use this as your primary method book throughout the first year of trombone instruction, moving through it in concert with your band's full ensemble rehearsal repertoire. The correlated material means passages studied individually in Part 2 will connect directly to the full-band arrangements your director is preparing.

• Slide position accuracy and consistency in the lower positions
• Breath support and control for sustained tones
• Reading and performing in concert B-flat and F keys
• Articulation clarity and tonguing precision
• Understanding melodic phrasing and musical expression at the beginner level