Rhythms & Rests: 1st E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

This book cuts straight to a problem many directors face: students can handle simple rhythms but stumble when rests enter the picture or meters shift into unfamiliar territory. Erickson builds competence progressively, with rhythm drills that preview what's coming, etudes that work solo or as duets, and full band arrangements that anchor each new skill in real musical repertoire. By the time students play the band arrangement, they've already practiced the exact rhythmic challenges they'll encounter.

The rhythmic variety creates a sense of forward momentum and challenge; the work doesn't feel repetitive because each unit introduces new metric territory. Rests, often dreaded by younger players, become concrete, manageable challenges rather than sources of anxiety.

First alto saxophone players in concert band programs who have solid note-reading skills but need targeted work on rhythmic accuracy, rest placement, and meter flexibility. This book suits students in grades 4-6 and remains valuable for beginning high school players establishing a strong technical foundation.

• Count through passages with rests aloud before playing them, using the complete metronome pulse. This anchors the player's internal sense of time when they're not producing sound.
• Use the etude duets as peer-to-peer accountability; pairing students with similar levels allows them to focus on matching rhythm and articulation rather than managing a large ensemble.
• Lock in with the ensemble at the start of each full band arrangement by playing the first measure with exaggerated precision. A unified entry sets the standard for rhythmic clarity throughout.
• Isolate the measures containing meter changes by playing them slowly and separately before incorporating them into the complete etude or arrangement.

Assign individual units on a rotating basis during the school year, asking students to complete a unit every 2-3 weeks. The solo etudes make excellent practice-room assignments and can feed into student recital preparation, while the full band arrangements integrate seamlessly into regular rehearsal once the preceding rhythm drills and etudes are secure.

• Accurate counting and rest placement across all note values
• Reading and performing meters including 5/8, 7/8, and other non-standard signatures
• Sustaining internal pulse during extended rests
• Matching rhythmic attacks and releases with ensemble members
• Confidence with syncopated and varied eighth-note patterns
• Duet playing and rhythmic coordination with a partner