Frank Erickson High School Band Course: E-flat Alto Clarinet Book (Texas Edition)

Erickson's method books remain direct and uncluttered, letting students build confidence through straightforward exercises and singable melodies rather than gimmicks. The E-flat alto clarinet part fits naturally into his larger band course ecosystem, so your entire section moves forward together without awkward gaps in material.

Erickson's writing has a calm, purposeful quality that puts students at ease while they're learning. Each exercise builds naturally on the last, and the melodies are genuine enough to feel like real music rather than mere technical scaffolding.

This book is designed for high school band students learning E-flat alto clarinet, whether they are switching from soprano clarinet or beginning on the instrument. The Texas Edition specifically aligns with state band curriculum standards, making it the practical choice for directors building a cohesive method sequence across their wind section.

• Balance the alto clarinet's mellower tone with the soprano clarinets; the part should enhance the section's warmth rather than disappear beneath it.
• Work through the exercises slowly enough that students can focus on tone production and intonation before speed becomes a factor.
• Listen carefully for the alto's characteristic darker sound; younger players often force it to sound like a soprano clarinet and lose the instrument's natural character.

Use this as your foundation material for alto clarinet players within the larger context of Erickson's full band course. The sequential design means you can assign exercises in tandem with your soprano clarinet players' materials, maintaining section unity while addressing the specific voice.

• Tone production on E-flat alto clarinet
• Intonation adjustment for the darker register
• Reading in the upper staff with appropriate transposition
• Basic articulation and tonguing
• Section blend and balance within the clarinet choir