Sound Innovations for Concert Band: Ensemble Development for Advanced Concert Band: E-flat Alto Saxophone 2 Book

This book moves beyond isolated technique into the musically sophisticated work that distinguishes advanced ensemble playing. The contribution of over 70 chorales from major composers like Randall Standridge, Robert Sheldon, and Jack Stamp gives your ensemble direct access to voices that shape contemporary concert band literature. The systematic grouping by key and difficulty level means you can build coherence across a rehearsal or sequence multiple sessions with clear pedagogical progression.

Engaging without being prescriptive. The variety of exercises and the weight of composed chorales keep the work musically purposeful; you're not drilling technique in a vacuum but building artistry through material written by composers who understand what the instrument can express.

Alto saxophone players in advanced high school and college concert bands who need systematic development beyond fundamental ensemble skills. This book serves both full-band rehearsals and individual musicianship in sectional or studio contexts.

• Address the harmonic language in each chorale before technical elements; these pieces demand awareness of your voice's role within the whole sound, not just note accuracy.
• Rotate between exercises in the same category to maintain engagement while reinforcing the specific goal (intonation, articulation, balance) without repetition fatigue.
• Use the chorales as preparation for concert band repertoire you're learning; many share harmonic vocabulary and scoring principles with standard ensemble pieces.
• Mark breath points and phrase shapes in pencil during individual practice so rehearsal time focuses on blend and ensemble listening rather than logistics.

Anchor your warm-up and intonation work in these exercises during concert band rehearsal, rotating through different keys and difficulty levels weekly. The chorales work especially well as transitions between technical preparation and repertoire rehearsal, bridging the gap between isolated skills and musical application.

• Reading and playing in all concert band keys (B-flat to five flats and five sharps)
• Harmonic awareness and voice independence within ensemble textures
• Intonation adjustment in varied harmonic contexts
• Articulation consistency across different stylistic and temporal contexts
• Musical phrasing and balance as part of a larger ensemble sound
• Independence from the conductor while maintaining ensemble cohesion