Description

Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 1 is the most thorough and carefully crafted method book available for novice band students. Created with contributions from thousands of educators, it showcases clear, user-friendly page designs and a well-structured skill progression. The book sets explicit objectives for each exercise, provides substantial reinforcement of new concepts, offers performance opportunities, incorporates a variety of musical styles, and includes innovative teaching and practice materials. Note names are intentionally omitted from the note heads to expedite musical literacy. The initial pitch is concert D, facilitating easier ranges and fingerings. The book is divided into six concise levels, presenting benchmarks, assessment indicators, and intermediate objectives to assist both students and teachers.

Each book grants complimentary access to SI Online, a comprehensive platform offering supplemental worksheets, practice tracks, alternative tunes, additional full concert band pieces, instrument-specific instructional videos, and more—all accessible without the need for a login. Accompaniment tracks can be adjusted in speed and looped for challenging sections. The PDFs encompass music theory, history, scale exercises, chorales, rhythm pages, and additional resources for reinforcement and differentiation in class or at home. These materials support students from their initial notes to their final solo, while providing teachers the flexibility to customize pacing and instruction to accommodate the distinct needs of their ensemble.

Book 1 is available at no cost in MakeMusic Cloud, an interactive practice tool that captivates students and simplifies assessment. Furthermore, with a paid subscription, students can access SI Extras—exercises accompanied by immersive soundtracks from popular superhero films such as Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, Black Adam, and others!