Yamaha Band Student, Book 3: Trombone Book

Kinyon and O'Reilly built this method around the reality that year-two retention depends on momentum and repertoire students actually want to play. The book delivers full ensemble pieces within the method itself rather than requiring separate purchases, which keeps rehearsals engaging and gives students ownership of their sound earlier than typical progressions.

Accessible and forward-moving, with enough variety to sustain interest. Students encounter recognizable song forms and ensemble textures that remind them why they started playing, balancing technical studies with the satisfaction of making music together.

Trombonists in their second year of study who benefit from a structured, song-driven curriculum that keeps engagement high beyond the initial learning phase. Band directors seeking a method that includes performance material ready to use in concerts without supplementary purchases.

• Establish a consistent embouchure routine before moving through legato passages; the method's gradual approach to articulation relies on a stable foundation.
• Work through duets and trios in sequence with mixed ability partners to build listening skills and intonation awareness without slowing the lesson pacing.
• Use the full-band arrangements as rehearsal milestones rather than final products; run them multiple times across weeks to reinforce fundamentals while students hear themselves in context.
• Balance individual lesson pages with ensemble playing in the same practice session so students connect written exercises to real musical purpose.

Follow this method sequentially as your primary trombone curriculum during the fall and spring concert seasons. The embedded ensemble pieces work as program fillers or as stepping stones toward larger repertoire; run them in sectional rehearsals to build confidence before full-band run-throughs.

• Reading music in concert and transposed keys with consistent note accuracy
• Breath control and phrasing across extended legato passages
• Slide position coordination and intonation in the second year of playing
• Ensemble balance and listening within duets, trios, and four-part band textures
• Sight-reading accuracy in familiar contexts with step-wise progressions