Tuned In - Baritone BC: Baritone BC Method Book

Balmages and Herrings built this resource from genuine classroom need rather than theory. The combination of targeted studies in every major and minor key paired with block chord chorales addresses intonation work systematically without requiring expensive drone technology, making it accessible whether you're in a well-funded program or stretching limited resources. The included free downloadable drones eliminate the excuse of equipment barriers while giving you flexibility to work on the go.

Methodical and grounded. This book strips away performance pressure and focuses purely on listening and adjusting, with the drone work creating a safe space to explore how pitch changes across registers and harmonic contexts. The chorales feel like actual music-making rather than disconnected exercises.

Baritone players in any concert band program looking to sharpen intonation accuracy. It works equally well as a sectional resource for directors focused on fixing tuning issues or as individual practice material for students who struggle with consistent pitch across different keys and registers.

• Start with the drones that match your ensemble's typical tuning notes; this trains ears against a consistent reference rather than jumping through multiple keys before students internalize the concept
• Rotate between chorale work and the key-specific studies rather than exhausting one category at a time; the chorales reinforce what the studies introduce and prevent fatigue
• Use the block chord layouts to highlight which voices carry the melody line, directing student attention to balance rather than letting inner parts dominate

Integrate this into your sectional rehearsal routine or assign chapters as focused homework for students preparing for all-state auditions. The key-by-key organization lets you pair studies with your concert band repertoire, so baritones work on intonation in the same keys they'll perform.

• Matching pitch against sustained drones in all major and minor keys
• Recognizing tuning tendencies across the baritone's range and correcting in real time
• Balancing individual pitch accuracy within block chord voicings
• Developing consistent embouchure response for stable intonation across dynamic and harmonic changes