Yamaha Band Student, Book 2: E-flat Baritone Saxophone Book

Feldstein and O'Reilly built Book 2 to maintain the momentum students gained in Book 1 without overwhelming them. The inclusion of full-band arrangements within the method itself means your baritone saxophones aren't isolated on exercises; they're making real music from day one.

Book 2 strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility. The material feels less like drilling fundamentals and more like making real music, with recognizable songs and straightforward arrangements that reward steady practice without discouraging effort.

This book is for second-year band students on E-flat baritone saxophone who are ready to expand their range, rhythmic complexity, and ensemble experience. Teachers using the Yamaha Band Method series will find Book 2 the natural continuation of Book 1, with carefully sequenced material that respects where students are developmentally.

• Use the full-band arrangements as early performance opportunities. Students hear how their part functions within the ensemble texture, which reinforces both their individual reading and their understanding of ensemble balance.
• Work through the duets and trios in sectionals. Baritone saxophones benefit from focused listening to how they interact with other voices at this stage.
• Establish a steady air stream before tackling new intervals. Book 2 introduces a wider range, and breath control becomes essential for clean articulation and intonation.
• Mark fingering charts in pencil as new notes appear. Baritone saxophone students at this level still need visual reminders for less-familiar positions.

Use this book as your core curriculum for second-year band rehearsal. The built-in arrangements work well for winter or spring concerts, letting your students hear themselves as part of a larger ensemble without requiring separate score procurement. Consider programming one or two band arrangements alongside your standard concert repertoire to showcase the progress your baritone saxophones have made.

• Expanded range on E-flat baritone saxophone
• Rhythm reading in varied meters and note values
• Articulation and phrasing across larger musical phrases
• Ensemble balance and listening within full-band textures
• Sight-reading of moderate complexity
• Breath control and air stream consistency