Robert W. Green

Introduction and Opening Statements

If a school’s band program is to be successful, band directors must have knowledge of
and be familiar with the methods that exist for teaching band music. A band director
should take the time to research major band methods and compare them to each other, so
they can make their own decisions on what is best for their program. When choosing a
band method, consider the following:

• The method’s eye-appeal
• The opening pages
• The starting system
• The speed at which the method progress
• Reinforcement throughout the method
• The scope of the method
• The sequence of the method
• Special treatment of the conductor’s score, oboe, French horn, and percussion
• Unique special features of the method

This project contains comparative research on the first level of five popular band methods
used in the United States: Accent on Achievement; Do It! Play in Band; Essential
Elements 2000; Standard of Excellence; and Yamaha Band Student. The intent of this
project is threefold: to provide clear, comprehensive research and information on five
band methods, to address the above considerations with the information provided, and to
provide useful and relevant information to band directors for their own programs.… (more)