Pop Duets for All (Revised and Updated): Alto Saxophone (E-flat Saxes & E-flat Clarinets) Book

Story's duet arrangements strike a genuine balance between fun and musicianship. Each pairing of songs lets alto saxophonists and E-flat clarinetists find their footing on familiar pop and classic titles without sacrificing intonation work or phrasing opportunities. The consistent measure numbering across all grade levels means your section can work through arrangements at their own pace during rehearsals, and the no-page-turn layout keeps momentum alive in performance.

From the playful snap of "Wipeout" to the smooth sophistication of "Theme from New York, New York," these arrangements deliver genuine musical personality. Expect moments of unison melody that lock your duet together, passages where one player takes the lead while the other supports, and enough familiar material that students connect emotionally to what they're playing.

Alto saxophonists and E-flat clarinetists working in pairs, whether they're at similar ability levels or bridging a grade or two of difference. Directors building confidence in younger players alongside more experienced section members will find immediate success here.

• Balance your duet partner's tone in the opening phrases by listening carefully to their entrance and matching both volume and vowel shape before the melody line moves.
• Mark your breathing points before the first rehearsal so both players breathe at the same moments; this synchronization becomes the backbone of ensemble sound.
• Lean into the pop style by imagining the groove of the original recording, then adjust articulation (legit or tongued staccato) to match that character rather than defaulting to classical phrasing.
• When reading the alternate passages for your range, flag them clearly in pencil and plan one full run-through with just your part before combining with your duet partner.

Open a concert segment with one of the upbeat titles to set an accessible, energetic tone for family audiences. Use these duets in sectional rehearsals as sight-reading material that holds student attention, or program a pair of contrasting arrangements back-to-back as an intermission breather that showcases woodwind color.

• Reading and matching mixed meters across different song styles
• Ensemble balance and blend when one player carries the melody
• Articulation control and style awareness in pop idiom
• Using alternate passages to navigate E-flat instrument ranges confidently
• Sight-reading fluency through consistent measure numbering and layout