John Kinyon's Basic Training Course, Book 1: Baritone B.C. Book

Kinyon's method balances structure with flexibility, designed to work equally well for individual baritone lessons, sectional coaching, or mixed ensemble rehearsals. The 32-page format avoids overwhelming students while building foundational skills methodically. Directors appreciate that each page works as a standalone unit, making it simple to assign targeted practice or adjust pacing for your specific ensemble.

Straightforward and encouraging. Each exercise builds on what came before without sudden leaps in difficulty. The baritone voice sounds warm and grounded as students master simple melodic shapes and rhythmic patterns, and the satisfaction of playing in tune quickly follows.

Beginning baritone players in concert band settings, whether learning in private lessons, homogeneous sectional rehearsals, or mixed ensembles. The book works for students starting fresh on the instrument as well as those transitioning from treble instruments.

• Establish consistent embouchure and air support from the first exercise; foundational habits set here prevent costly corrections later.
• Use the recorded accompaniment (when available separately) to keep students engaged with the sound of the band, even during individual practice.
• Work through the book with your entire brass section at the same time so baritones hear how their part integrates with trumpets, trombones, and tubas.
• Return to earlier pages periodically to reinforce rhythmic accuracy and tone quality before moving forward.

Begin this book in the fall with all new baritone players and progress steadily through rehearsals and practice assignments. By midyear, students should be ready to play arranged melodies within your concert repertoire. The book's accessibility makes it ideal for mixed-age beginner sections where some students may start mid-season.

• Reading treble and bass clef pitches on the baritone staff
• Counting and executing whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes
• Maintaining consistent tone quality across the range
• Responding to basic dynamic markings (p, mf, f)
• Playing single-tonguing patterns at moderate tempos
• Understanding valve positions and their relationship to written notes
• Blending with other baritones and the broader brass section