First Division Band Method, Part 4: B-flat Clarinet Book

This method has earned its reputation through decades of classroom success. The clarinet book maintains a carefully scaffolded progression that builds confidence without overwhelming students, making it an ideal anchor for your band's foundational instruction.

The method unfolds methodically and reassuringly. Students encounter familiar melodies alongside exercises designed to isolate specific technical challenges, creating a balance between musicality and skill building that keeps early learners engaged.

This is designed for beginning B-flat clarinetists in concert band settings, typically in grades 4-6. It works equally well in homogeneous clarinet classes or within mixed instrumentation bands where the clarinet section needs structured fundamentals.

• Work through exercises in order rather than jumping ahead; each exercise builds on the previous one's technical foundation.
• Use a tuner when introducing each new note to establish accurate pitch reference before moving to melodies.
• Allow adequate time on scales and interval studies before students encounter them in songs, so the musical context feels natural.
• Encourage students to practice the same exercise daily for consistency; mastery comes through repetition, not variety.

Use this as your primary curricular resource for the first year of clarinet instruction. The 32-page structure works well over a full school year or can be adapted for concentrated summer band programs and middle school band curricula.

• Reading lines and spaces on the treble clef
• Producing consistent tone across the clarinet's lower register
• Recognizing and playing whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes
• Understanding key signatures and major scales
• Articulating cleanly with tongue placement
• Reading and performing simple melodies with rhythmic accuracy