Treasury of Scales for Band and Orchestra: E-flat Alto Clarinet Book

This resource cuts through the noise of scale practice by giving your entire ensemble identical material to work with, which means you spend rehearsal time on what actually matters: intonation, blend, and tone quality. The harmonized context transforms what could be mindless technical work into genuine musical listening, and Smith's voice leading ensures that E-flat alto clarinetists stay engaged rather than isolated on their uncommon part.

Running through these scales feels less like an exercise and more like playing actual music. The harmonized backdrop gives each line purpose and context, turning mechanical finger work into something your ears can latch onto. There's an immediate payoff: you hear yourself fitting into the larger sound.

This book is essential for alto clarinetists in concert bands and orchestras who need daily scale work that keeps them rooted in ensemble sound. It works equally well for students building foundational technique and experienced players refining intonation and blend.

• Listen for the alto clarinet line to sit naturally within the harmonic texture rather than stand apart; adjust dynamic balance so the part supports without dominating.
• Approach each scale as a conducting exercise, varying tempo and articulation to develop flexibility and responsiveness in your section.
• Use the written harmony as a tuning reference; have players identify their pitch relationships to surrounding voices before running the scale at tempo.

Make this a non-negotiable part of your warm-up routine at every rehearsal; the consistency builds muscle memory and ear training simultaneously. Because the material is so efficient, you can cycle through multiple scales without losing rehearsal time, creating a shared language of intonation and balance that transfers directly to concert repertoire.

• Playing all major and minor scales with secure intonation
• Listening to harmonic relationships and adjusting pitch accordingly
• Responding to conductor tempo and articulation changes
• Blending with ensemble sound while maintaining individual line clarity