Written by Sandy Feldstein and Larry Clark

Published by Carl Fischer

Developing and publishing a new method book is a large investment for any organization and the combined efforts of Yamaha and Carl Fischer has produced an exciting new choice for both individual and group instruction. The new Yamaha Advantage is a major departure from their first successful method book and other method books on the market in terms of quality of literature, concept and concept, and coordinated internet support.

QUALITY OF LITERATURE

Musical content includes 17 duets, 10 rounds, 7 full band works and 8 chorales. The quality of the literature takes a large step forwards with technical excerpts from traditional sources such as Klose, Clarke, Kopprasch and Arban. Both the exceptional use of chorales and proven technical literature for a beginning band method is to be applauded. Musical sources are also of a high quality with classical excerpts from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms to Schubert, Verdi, Schumann, Tallis, Weber, Mozart, and Haydn to name a few. Combined with the traditional folk songs from their first band method the overall quality of musical literature has achieved a new level.

CONCEPT AND DESIGN

There are two distinct ways to begin the method book which includes a traditional note based approach and a graphic representation method of length of note; both options are designed to give the teacher their choice and preference. The graphic representations are intended to illustrate position on the musical staff, letter names of the notes, and encourage the correct note durations. The approach is similar to the Singer French Horn Method, but used at the beginning band level. This direction, although not unique to educational pedagogy, is rare to beginning band methods on the market. The application of this option for the first few pages of the method could provide a very successful springboard to making the connection of these important concepts in the minds of young musicians.

Beginning books for horn and percussion have benefited from the design improvements with multiple ways to approach these instruments. For the horn book this includes extra pages devoted to placing the horn in a better beginning range and providing flexibility for the director. The percussion books now include a snare/bass drum book, keyboard percussion book, a combination book of the two, and an accessory/timpani book. Basic rudiments are presented in sequence and should provide a challenge for the new percussionist.

Each page is formatted with internet style hyperlinks at the top featuring the topic areas of notes, theory, rhythm, and musicianship. The vital information presented on that page is printed as if it was a menu pulled down from that web page. As the pages are formatted to be as familiar as an online web page, so to are the innovative support features that are connected with the method at: www.yamahaadvantage.com

INTERNET SUPPORT

The highlight of this new method is the advantage placed on student, teacher and parent interaction with their internet web page; a truly revolutionary idea whose time has come. The web page support is planned to include play-along tracks, games, quizzes, lesson plans, and assessment exercises once completed finished. Recordings for the play-along tracks are stored as mp3 files with professional musicians serving as the models for each performance.

The challenge to build a better beginning band method has clearly been taken to heart with the Yamaha Advantage edition. Although more work still needs to be done to develop the interactive web page system, all versions of this new method book should be available by July, 2001. Plans also include the release of the second book of the series in late fall of 2001. In terms of quality of literature, concept and design, and coordinated internet support it should set a new standard for other method books to work towards in the future.

Debbie Tedeschi, Manorhaven/Sousa Elementary Schools, Port Washington, NY

"I have been teaching music for 25 years. I find that the best way to motivate children is by presenting them with material that they will enjoy practicing. The Yamaha Advantage is a beautifully illustrated book containing a wide selection of classical and folk melodies. It progresses well as it clearly defines new concepts in highlighted areas. I particularly like the way the fingerings are pictured on instruments rather than on 3, 6 or 7 empty circles. The Yamaha rhythm advantage adds enrichment as well as the CD truly making this method an advantage."

Written by Percy Grainger

Edited by Donald Hunsberger

Published by Belwin-Mills / Warner Brothers

A long overdue edition of this Percy Grainger miniature has finally arrived for wind band from Belwin-Mills / Warner Brothers and Donald Hunsberger. Originally composed March 5-6, 1939 it was written in England under a time of duress as Grainger and the country thought of war; the subtitle of the work is "British War Mood Grows". The main theme was also used as a countermelody in the first movement of Lincolnshire Posy (1937).

Instrumentation is for an augmented brass ensemble of 3 trumpets, 4 horns, 3 trombones, and suspended cymbal plus ad lib. instruments such as euphonium, tubas (2), 2 bassoons, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone. I highly recommend the use of these additional instruments to provide a greater range of tonal color. As a typical fanfare it is short at only 37 measures, pitched in the key of Bflat major with multi-meter groupings. A beautiful off-stage horn solo opens the fanfare which twists and turns with a variety of counter-lines to a climatic end.

This edition is a landmark contribution to the repertoire. The program notes are extensive with the original folk song verses provided within. This is in addition to a wealth of instrument cues in the places that need them the most. This new edition of "The Duke of Marlborough Fanfare" is a well-crafted gem that was worth the wait.