Rhythms & Rests: 2nd E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

Erickson understands what second alto saxophonists actually need: sustained attention to rhythmic precision without losing musicality. The progression from isolated drills to full band contexts gives students immediate payoff, and the duet arrangements let them hear their own growth within ensemble sound.

Direct and purposeful. The rhythm drills are no-nonsense, the etudes are melodic enough to be satisfying, and the band arrangements reward the work with genuine musical moments. There's no padding here, just steady progress toward competence.

Second alto saxophone players building rhythmic accuracy and confidence in changing meters. This book works best for students who are secure on the instrument fundamentally but need targeted work on the rests and shifted accents that define ensemble maturity.

• Isolate the rhythm drills first, even if they feel mechanical. The suggestions for their use are built into the material, so follow them rather than rushing to the etudes.
• When moving to the duet arrangements, keep the tempo steady and resist the temptation to accommodate the first part. Your job is rhythmic independence.
• Use the full band arrangements as the reward. These six pieces should feel like real playing, not more practice, so approach them with phrasing and control.

Assign one unit at a time during rehearsal warm-ups or sectional work across 4 to 6 weeks. The full band selections coordinate with your main repertoire, so you can build the rhythmic foundation students need without pulling away from your concert program.

• Reading and sustaining rests in ensemble contexts
• Rhythmic accuracy in mixed meters (5/8, 7/8, and other changing signatures)
• Rhythmic independence in duet textures
• Counting precision and internal pulse maintenance