composer:	Bach, J.S. (1685-1750), arr. by Bernard Fitzgerald
title:	Aria – Bist Du Bei Mir
publisher:	Belwin Mills
level:	Beginner / Junior High
range:	f’’
description:	This aria or “song” is very accessible to the young student due to its repetitions, slow tempo, and somewhat limited range. I always like for even the younger students to play “real” music by “real” composers whereas so much that is played by the 1st and 2nd year player sounds so silly and boring. Here is the chance for the best young players to perform beautiful music by Bach. It is not technically very difficult, but the player must have good control of the range from c’’ to f’’, and there are a few rhythms that will need explanation to the young musician.

composer:	Beethoven, Ludwig van (arr. by Paul M. Stouffer)
title:	Minuetto
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner / Junior High
range:	e’’
description:	Minuetto is based upon the minuet, which is a dance piece in 3/4 time from the 17th century. As a ‘dance’, it features a strong rhythmic pulse and a catchy tune. It consists of two main sections, the minuet and trio, which are followed by a repetition of the first section, resulting in an ABA form. The trio section features quite a few 8th notes, including several e’’s, so some 1st year students may not be ready, but most 2nd year students should find this a charming piece. (2:00)

composer:	Bjorn, Frank (arr. by David Polansky)
title:	Alley Cat
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	d’’
description:	The old favorite from the 1960’s reappears as a fun, early solo. Its syncopated rhythms and catchy tune will be very attractive to the 1st or 2nd year student. It is about 2:15 in length.

composer:	Burney, Charles (arr. by Lennie Niehaus)
title:	Pastorale
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	e’’
description:	The Pastorale features a simple, lyrical melody in 3/4 time, giving the early student a chance to be expressive within a less demanding setting. There is only on e’’, but it does go to c’’ and d’’ several times, all of which should be accessible to many beginners. This is a good piece to reinforce the dotted quarter / eighth note rhythm. (2:00)

composer:	Cook, Vander
title:	Lyra
publisher:	Rubank
level:	Beginner
range:	d’’
description:	This is a standard, old solo from a series of young student solos done by Mr. Cook, all of which bear names from astronomy. It begins with a slow melodic section followed by a march-like section. The second melodic section offers the opportunity to explore the “cornet” style, and the piece ends with a “ta da.”

composer:	Delgiudice, Michel
title:	Rondino
publisher:	Leduc
level:	Beginner
range:	e’’ (optional up to g’’)
description:	Without meaning to sound “sexist,” this piece is a favorite of my beginner boys, but not the girls! The title translates “little Rondo” which means that the march-like main melody keeps coming back “around.” This also means that once the student has learned the theme, he has learned most of the piece, for the return of the melody features only slight variation. The contrasting section features a simple, trumpet fanfare-like theme.

composer:	Ellis, Merrill
title:	Mark 1-0
publisher:	Southern Music
level:	Beginner
range:	d’’
description:	This is a beautiful, lyrical solo in a very accessible modern style designed specifically for a beginner. It was written for a student named “Mark” with a physical problem in which he could only use one finger; therefore, all notes are played on 1st valve or open – hence the title “Mark (the boy) 1-0”. In its simplicity, it is a very pretty and rewarding piece.

composer:	Haydn, Franz Joseph (arr. by Paul M. Stouffer)
title:	Country Dance
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner/Junior High
range:	d’’
description:	This short (1:30) classical dance in 3/4 time features a lively, simple melody. Its technical requirements may be a little quick for the beginner, and the lack of rest may not be appropriate for some beginners, but it is definitely accessible and attractive to the 2nd year student.

composer:	Henderson, Kenneth
title:	A Trumpeter's Serenade
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	d’’
description:	As might be expected from the title, this piece features a lyrical melody throughout its 2:45 minutes. It is simple and sweet, its only difficulty for a beginner being that it ventures up to d’’ and e’’ several times with little rest time included.

composer:	Mirante, Thomas
title:	Andante and Allegro
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	d’’
description:	This is a well-written piece suitable for 1st and 2nd year players. Very interesting “jazzy” harmonies a little like Gershwin are featured throughout, adding lots of interest. The piece consists of a slow, lyrical section and a faster, livelier section, ending with a repeat of the slower material. Try this one – it’s really great! (2:55)

composer:	Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (arr. Paul Stouffer)
title:	Allegretto
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	e’’
description:	This simple, charming piece, although not labeled as a dance, resembles a minuet (a dance from the 17th century in 3/4 meter similar to a slow waltz). If the student will remember to “dance”, the piece should flow more easily. The Allegretto consists of a minuet-like section, a contrasting section, and a repeat of the “minuet”. The technical requirements of the work are consistent with the simple solos found in many beginner band method books. (2:15)

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
title:	Appalachian Waltz
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	c’’
description:	This piece is well-suited for the young player. It consists of a “catchy” melody set with limited range, technical requirements, and length (2:15). The “folk” character of the melody will be well received by students and its simplicity will make it doubly attractive.

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
title:	Fanflairs
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	d’’
description:	Fanflairs features a light, march-like melody which returns several times throughout the work. Its technical requirements are consistent with those found in the solos often included in the back of beginner band method books. The range, technique, and rhythm are all fairly limited while it remains very attractive. (2:15)

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
title:	Great Scott
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	c’’
description:	This brief solo (1:30 duration) will definitely be attractive to the young player. It features a syncopated melody in a simple key and a limited range. The main syncopated rhythm is used throughout the piece, thus simplifying the learning process. It is marked “playfully”, and would be appropriately fun for the Beginner.

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
Lynn Meadows Waltz
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	c’’
description:	This simple waltz is well-suited for most beginners. The range is limited, the rhythms are simple, the finger technique is accessible, and the melody / harmony is attractive and a little “jazzy.” It is fairly long (5:45), but the instructor could suggest eliminating repeats.

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
title:	Timepiece
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner/Junior High
range:	c’’
description:	This piece consists of three march-like sections in a rondo form (ABACA). The range is well within the beginner’s ability, but some may not handle the 8th note technical requirements until their 2nd year. The young player will find it attractive, and since its form is repetitive, the player will have less material to learn.

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
title:	Turnabout
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	c’’
description:	Turnabout is a very attractive, simple piece of about 3 minutes. There are several spots for the player to briefly rest, no rhythm faster than 8th notes, and the range is manageable in the first year.

composer:	Niehaus, Lennie
title:	Twilight Nocturne
publisher:	Kendor
level:	Beginner
range:	c’’
description:	The Nocturne is a simple, attractive piece in a lyrical style with a slightly “jazzy” or “new age” sound. The rhythms are simple and the melodic material repeats, making it easily accessible for the good 1st year player. (2:50)

composer:	Rosenhaus, Steven L.
title:	Ballad in Blue
publisher:	Bourne
level:	Beginner
range:	g’’
description:	As the title indicates, this is a melodic solo with a “blues” sound. (It is also available for band accompaniment.) It is not technically difficult, but the range does venture up to g’’ twice, though it does not stay there long. It is a delightful and different piece.

composer:	Saint-Saens, Camille (1835-1921), arr. by Paul Smim
title:	Romance
publisher:	Edition Musicus
level:	Beginner / Junior High
range:	d’’ (optional g’’)
description:	I always like younger students to get to play “real” music by “real” composers whereas so much that is played by the 1st and 2nd year player sounds so silly and boring. Here is the chance for young players to perform beautiful music by a Romantic Era composer, Saint-Saens. As one might imagine from the title, it is a lovely, lyrical melody which moves fairly slowly. It is not technically very difficult, nor is range a problem since e’’ to g’’ are optionally played an octave lower. Endurance seems to be the most difficult aspect. The best of the 1st year players and most 2nd year players can perform this piece well.

composer:	Smith, Leonard B.
title:	Bourree in the Style of Handel
publisher:	Belwin
level:	Beginner
range:	f #’’
description:	This is a popular Baroque-style piece designed for the 2nd year student. The technically difficult spots are all scale-based patterns. The most difficult aspects of the piece are its key-signature (A major) and its lack of rest. The melody is “catchy” and there is much interest added by the dynamic contrasts.