Take the Lead: Number One Hits: Clarinet Book & CD

These are the songs your students hear on the radio and actually want to play. Each arrangement sits comfortably in the middle register with straightforward rhythms that let musicianship shine through, and the professional backing tracks give every performance the polish of a full band behind them.

Clarinet students working toward performance independence and comfortable reading chord symbols will thrive with this collection. It's ideal for musicians ready to move beyond traditional method books into contemporary repertoire that still respects their developing skills.

• Start with the demonstration track to internalize the groove and phrasing before adding your own interpretation to the backing track.
• Use the tuning notes at the start of the CD to establish your intonation in context rather than in isolation.
• Experiment with the chord symbols to understand how your solo line sits within the harmonic framework, especially if you're playing alongside a pianist or guitarist.
• Balance your tone to sit cleanly in the mix with the backing track; these arrangements are full, so clarity comes from articulation and space, not volume.

Select individual hits for solo recitals where students need repertoire that connects with audiences outside the classical world. You can also build a pop showcase by having different students perform separate selections in sequence, using the consistent quality of the arrangements and backing tracks to create a cohesive concert segment.

• Reading chord symbols in concert pitch
• Performing with recorded accompaniment while maintaining independent tempo
• Phrasing and interpretation in contemporary musical styles
• Solo and ensemble flexibility within the same repertoire
• Tone control in fuller musical textures