First Division Band Method, Part 2: Baritone (T.C.) Book

The First Division Band Method endures because it works. The proven sequence doesn't rush students through fundamentals, and the familiar repertoire keeps young players engaged while they build real skills. Part 2 represents the sweet spot where students have enough technique to play actual music, not just exercises.

Part 2 opens up the joy of actual music-making. Students move away from isolated drills into recognizable tunes and folk songs. The baritone part carries both melodic responsibility and supporting harmony, giving players a real voice in the ensemble sound.

Beginning baritone players in grades 4-7 who are ready to move beyond Part 1 fundamentals. This book serves students who have developed basic note reading and fingering facility and are ready to tackle simple melodies, longer phrases, and initial harmonic concepts.

• Match the tuning of your baritone section to the concert pitch reference in your band. T.C. baritones read different transpositions than B-flat instruments, so verify that all your baritones are reading from the same transposition before rehearsal begins.
• Balance the baritone line carefully in sectional rehearsals. This book's voicing puts baritones in a supportive harmonic role, so encourage warm tone production that fills the texture without overshadowing the melody.
• Use the recorded accompaniments (sold separately) to help students internalize rhythmic precision and proper phrasing before full band rehearsals.
• Encourage steady air support throughout longer note values. Many passages in Part 2 require sustained playing, which helps develop breath control and tone quality.

Sequence Part 2 as your primary method book for second-year band students. Progress through the material at a pace that allows time for review and mastery; don't rush through pages. Once students reach this stage, supplement with concert repertoire that reinforces the same technical and musical concepts they're learning in the method.

• Reading music in treble clef with leger lines above and below the staff
• Playing simple melodic lines and supporting harmonic parts
• Sustaining longer note values with controlled breath support
• Articulation control including legato and staccato tonguing
• Intonation matching within the baritone section
• Understanding basic harmonic function and chord tones
• Sight-reading progressively complex rhythmic patterns