Lessons in Performance Book 1, Around the World - Alto Saxophone 2: Alto Saxophone 2 Method Book

This collection gives alto saxophone 2 players a real voice in the ensemble without oversimplifying their part. The repertoire spans continents and styles, keeping rehearsals fresh while building confidence through varied musical contexts. Sheldon writes parts that sit naturally for younger players while maintaining musical integrity.

A musical passport. One moment you're marching ceremonially, the next you're dancing with a chicken, then you're singing an Armenian folk melody with genuine style. The pieces balance accessibility with authentic character, so students feel like they're playing real music from real places, not exercises.

Alto saxophone 2 players in beginning to early intermediate concert bands who are ready to engage with world music and folk sources. This book works equally well as part of regular rehearsal literature or as a focused method for building sight-reading and cultural literacy alongside technical skills.

• Listen to recordings of the folk traditions represented in each piece (Armenian Anthem, V'la le bon vent, Korobochka) to internalize the characteristic phrasing and inflection before rehearsals begin.
• Work tone production in the midrange where many of these melodies sit; consistent voicing across the section creates blend even when the melodic line moves between parts.
• Mark breath points carefully in longer lines like An Irish Ballade and A Scandinavian Folk Tale; planning ahead prevents mid-phrase gasps that disrupt the musical line.
• Balance volume in the harmonic passages (especially in March Ceremonial and Holiday Sleigh Ride) so the melody stays prominent without forcing your sound.

Build a concert around a world music theme by drawing selections from this book and pairing them with complementary full-band arrangements. The variety also makes it ideal for sectional rehearsal work throughout the year, ensuring alto 2 players stay engaged and challenged across multiple musical styles.

• Reading and performing folk melodies from multiple cultural traditions
• Balancing harmonic parts with melody lines across different registers
• Sustaining long phrases with consistent tone and breath control
• Adapting phrasing and articulation to match stylistic context (march, ballad, dance)
• Quick repertoire acquisition across diverse musical idioms