Band Resources
Four-Part Chorales for Band
These chorales are transcribed from the 1941 Lutheran Hymnal. They contain simple homophonic rhythms, limited ranges, and consistent SATB scoring (e.g., tbone 1 always plays the tenor part). They are modeled after the Twelve Bach Chorales arranged by Mayhew Lake, but appropriate for young bands. Their simplicity allows developing players to focus on the fundamentals of tone, pitch, and balance.
Three-Part Chorales for Band
These chorales are similar to those above, but contain only three parts to allow for a reduced margin of error (three vs. four parts) and narrow ranges while maintaining consistent SAB scoring. They are intended for very young bands.
Warm-ups for Concert Band
Long tone and scale exercises in familiar keys. Create as many variations as possible by altering rhythms and articulations. Play in cut-time, add dynamics, etc.
March for Wind Band - L. V. Beethoven/arr. Phillip M. Hash
Free arrangement. Beethoven wrote this little march for 2 clarinets, 2 horns, and 2 bassoons. This arrangement for young concert band is transposed from the original key of Bb to Eb major, but otherwise is a direct transcription of Beethoven's original work. Click here to see and hear the original version.
One Size Fits All Band Books (OSFABB)
FREE music ideal for small concert bands. This site contains arrangements for flexible instrumentation for grade .5 through 2. There are numerous arrangements of familiar tunes suitable for holiday, patriotic, or other occasions. All parts contain the melody and a harmony part. The director (and students) can arrange the piece in a variety of ways, or play it as recommended by the arranger. These pieces can be utilized as solos, duets, trios, or full band. The percussion parts are optional. GREAT RESOURCE FOR THE SMALLEST OF BANDS!!
Effective Performance of Band Literature by Francis McBeth
This book is currently out of print but available online as a PDF. This text provides an excellent model of and process for achieving a unified and balanced ensemble sound. Chapters cover issues related to pitch, balance, dynamics, articulations, rhythm, and interpretation.