Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone Review: The Essential Bridge to Intermediate Mastery
In our years of teaching and evaluating musical pedagogy, we have witnessed a recurring phenomenon: the “second-year slump.” This happens when a student finishes their initial beginner method book and suddenly feels like they are wandering in a musical wilderness. The basic notes are learned, but the gap between “Hot Cross Buns” and advanced orchestral repertoire feels like a canyon. Without a structured guide to bridge this gap, many young trombonists lose interest. Solving this problem is crucial; if a student doesn’t transition smoothly into intermediate concepts like legato tonguing, extended range, and ensemble dynamics, their progress plateaus and their motivation dies. This is precisely why a resource like the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone is so vital. It isn’t just another collection of songs; it is a scientifically designed curriculum intended to turn a beginner into a competent intermediate player.
- A Revolutionary Method for Early Intermediate Musicians
- By Robert Sheldon, Peter Boonshaft, Dave Black, and Bob Phillips
What to Consider Before Buying a Trombone Method Book
A method book is more than just a collection of ink and paper; it’s a key solution for developing technical proficiency and musical literacy. When you are looking for a follow-up to a beginner book, you aren’t just buying “more music.” You are investing in a pedagogical philosophy. A good intermediate book should reinforce what was learned in the first year while introducing complex rhythms, more demanding slide positions, and higher-order musical concepts like phrasing and expression. If a book moves too fast, the student becomes frustrated; if it moves too slowly, they become bored. The Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone aims for that “Goldilocks” zone of difficulty.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a student who has completed about one year of study, either in a school band setting or through private lessons. It is also an excellent tool for adults returning to the instrument who need a refresher on the basics followed by a steady climb into intermediate territory. However, it might not be suitable for absolute beginners who have never held a trombone before—they should start with Book 1. Likewise, advanced conservatory students will find this far too elementary. For those in the middle, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why it remains a classroom staple.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: Measuring roughly 12 x 9 inches (standard sheet music size), the book must be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of a middle school backpack. You want a book with high-quality binding that can lay flat on a music stand without constantly flipping shut, which can be a major distraction during practice.
- Curriculum Depth & Performance: Look for a book that offers a balanced mix of technical exercises (scales, long tones) and melodic pieces. The inclusion of online media is a massive bonus, as it provides a professional reference for what the trombone should actually sound like, which is often the biggest hurdle for students practicing alone.
- Materials & Durability: While some digital metadata might mistakenly list “brass” as a material, we are talking about high-grade paper and a protective cover. The quality of the printing matters—notes must be crisp and clear to avoid eye strain during long rehearsal sessions.
- Ease of Use & Online Integration: Modern method books should offer more than just text. Look for integrated online platforms where you can access backing tracks and video tutorials. This helps maintain student engagement by making home practice feel more like a recording session and less like a chore.
Choosing the right method book is the most important decision a player makes after choosing the instrument itself. While the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Designed for Beginners: Eastar ETB-330 tenor trombone features patent-designed keys and a unique shoulder pad for added stability. Ergonomically crafted for beginners students to play and easy to...
- BUILT FOR INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: The Jean Paul TB-400 Straight Tenor Trombone is designed for beginning and advancing musicians who are ready to step up their sound and control. It offers the right...
- High Quality Bass Material: Crafted from bass material, the B flat tenor trombone offers dependable durability and great resonance. It will ensure excellent sound quality and smooth operation, which...
First Impressions and Key Features of the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone
Upon unboxing the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone, the first thing we noticed was the clean, uncluttered layout. Alfred Music has a reputation for “Revolutionary Method” design, and it shows here. Unlike older method books that cram twenty exercises onto a single page with tiny fonts, this book uses space effectively. The “Sound Advice” sections are highlighted clearly, offering quick tips that act like a teacher-in-a-box. We found that the inclusion of an access code for online media immediately modernizes the experience, allowing you to check the latest price and availability for this comprehensive package.
The initial feel of the book is professional. It doesn’t feel like a “toy” book; it feels like a serious tool for a maturing musician. Comparing it to previous versions or competing series like Essential Elements, the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone feels more modular. It is broken down into clear segments: a review of Book 1, new concepts, and ensemble playing. This segmented approach prevents the student from feeling overwhelmed. The weight and dimensions (5.6 ounces and 12 x 6 x 1 inches) make it incredibly portable for students commuting between home and band practice.
Pros
- Comprehensive Review: The book begins with a deep dive into Book 1 concepts, ensuring no student is left behind.
- SI Online Access: The included online media provides high-quality backing tracks and pedagogical videos.
- Logical Progression: Concepts like 6th and 7th positions and syncopated rhythms are introduced in a highly intuitive order.
- Expert Authorship: Written by legends like Robert Sheldon and Peter Boonshaft, ensuring pedagogical accuracy.
Limitations
- Internet Dependent: To get the most out of the book, you need a stable internet connection for the media.
- Pacing: For very fast learners, some of the review sections might feel a bit slow.
Deep Dive: Performance and Pedagogy of the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone
The “Review and Bridge” System: Solidifying the Foundation
We found that one of the most significant strengths of the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone is its refusal to assume the student remembers everything from the previous year. Most method books jump straight into new material, but Alfred’s approach includes a detailed review section. In our testing, we observed that this review helps students regain their confidence after a summer break. It covers the basic range from low F to middle Bb and reinforces the slide positions that often get confused in the first year. This “bridge” is a feature that really sets it apart from more traditional, old-school methods.
This section isn’t just a repeat of Book 1; it’s a “leveling up.” It takes those basic notes and applies them to more complex articulation patterns. For the trombonist, this means moving beyond simple “too-too” tonguing and beginning to explore the nuances of the slide. We were particularly impressed by how the book handles the transition from the first few positions to the more difficult “reach” positions. By the time the student finishes the review section, their fundamental technique is rock-solid, making the introduction of new keys and rhythms much less intimidating.
The SI Online Experience: A Digital Tutor in Your Pocket
In today’s world, a book alone isn’t enough. The Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone understands this by including a robust online media component. We spent several hours navigating the SI Online portal and were genuinely impressed. The backing tracks aren’t just cheesy MIDI files; they are well-produced orchestrations that make the student feel like they are part of a real concert band. This is a massive psychological boost for a solo practitioner. Using these tracks, we found that students are much more likely to stay in tune and maintain a steady tempo.
Beyond just audio, the portal provides masterclass-style videos. For a trombone player, seeing a professional’s slide technique and embouchure is worth a thousand words of text. These videos address common pitfalls, such as “smearing” between notes or improper posture. By integrating this media, Alfred is streamlining the learning process significantly. It essentially provides a 24/7 tutor that can demonstrate any exercise in the book at the click of a button. This is particularly useful for parents who may not be musical themselves but want to help their child succeed.
Intermediate Trombone Mechanics: Range and Flexibility
As we progressed through the book, we noticed a sharp focus on the specific physical challenges of the trombone. Book 2 introduces students to the concept of the “alternate position.” This is a crucial step for any intermediate player. Learning that a middle D can be played in 4th position instead of just 1st (if it’s part of a specific phrase) is a “lightbulb moment” for many students. The Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone lays this out with clear diagrams and targeted exercises that force the student to use these new positions in context.
Range extension is another area where this book shines. It gradually coaxes the student’s range upward and downward. For the trombone, the low register can be just as challenging as the high register in terms of air support. The “Sound Advice” sections provide specific tips on breathing and air speed that are tailored to the trombone’s unique bore size. We found that the exercises are melodic enough to be enjoyable but technical enough to build the necessary lip flexibility for “slurring” without using the tongue—a hallmark of intermediate brass playing. You can see how this benefits a developing player by looking at this highly rated educational resource online.
Ensemble Playing and Musicality
The final third of the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone shifts focus toward ensemble playing. This is where the “Concert Band” part of the title really comes into play. The book includes “Ensemble Concepts” that teach students how to listen to other instruments while playing their own part. This is a difficult skill to teach, but Alfred does it by providing duet and trio arrangements where the trombone part is rhythmically independent of the melody. This forces the student to count accurately and develop “big picture” musical ears.
We also appreciated the introduction of musical terms and history. Rather than just giving a list of definitions to memorize, the book introduces terms like “Subito Piano” or “Andante” within the context of a piece of music. This contextual learning is much more effective for long-term retention. By the end of the book, the student isn’t just a “note-reader”; they are starting to become a musician who understands phrasing, dynamics, and the historical context of the music they are playing. It’s a holistic approach that justifies why we recommend this book to any band director or private teacher.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment surrounding the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone is overwhelmingly positive, particularly among parents of band students. One user noted that it was “exactly what my kid needed for band,” highlighting that school programs often specifically request this series because of its alignment with state standards. Another user simply called it a “Great book,” which speaks to its reliability and straightforward design. We found that users appreciate the “no-nonsense” approach; it delivers exactly what it promises without unnecessary fluff.
While there are few negative reviews, some users have mentioned that they wished the physical book were even more durable, perhaps with a spiral binding to help it lay perfectly flat. However, for the price point, the construction is standard for the industry. The consensus is clear: this is a highly rated educational resource that fills a specific need in the market. It provides the structure that students crave and the pedagogical depth that teachers require, making it a win-win for the classroom and the home practice room.
Comparing the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone to Its Top Alternatives
1. Eastar Bb Tenor Trombone Beginner Kit
- Designed for Beginners: Eastar ETB-330 tenor trombone features patent-designed keys and a unique shoulder pad for added stability. Ergonomically crafted for beginners students to play and easy to...
- High Quality Assured: Built with a premium brass body, a 13.4mm bore, and a 206mm bell for stable vibration and powerful penetration. The dual-layer coating ensures maximum durability against wear for...
The Eastar Bb Tenor Trombone Beginner Kit is a completely different animal, as it provides the physical instrument rather than just the instructional material. We recommend this for someone who is just starting out and doesn’t yet own a trombone. While the Sound Innovations book is a curriculum, the Eastar kit is the hardware. If you are a student who already has an instrument and needs to get better, stick with the Alfred book. However, if you are looking to start your journey from scratch with a budget-friendly instrument, this Eastar kit is a surprisingly solid entry point for beginners.
2. pBone Bb Plastic Trombone
- Music Transforms: The affordable pBone plastic trombone in bold, energizing colors is both fun and functional. Its standard .500" bore pitched in Bb produces a rich, authentic lower brass sound...
- Lightweight & Easy to Play: At half the weight of a traditional brass trombone, the pBone is easy to hold and promotes proper playing form. Its ergonomic grip fits hands of all sizes, making it a...
The pBone Bb Plastic Trombone is a fascinating alternative for younger students or those who find a traditional brass trombone too heavy. In our tests, the pBone is incredibly durable and lightweight, making it perfect for marching band or very young beginners. However, it lacks the nuanced tone of a brass instrument. If you are using the Sound Innovations Book 2, you are likely at a stage where you want a more “professional” sound, which a plastic trombone may not provide. The pBone is a fun secondary instrument, but for serious intermediate study, you’ll want the pedagogical depth of the Alfred book and a standard brass trombone.
3. Essential Elements Trombone Book 1 Beginner Method
Essential Elements Trombone Book 1 Beginner Method is the most direct competitor to the Sound Innovations series. Essential Elements is the “old guard” of band methods. It is incredibly reliable and used in thousands of schools. However, we find that the Sound Innovations Book 2 offers a slightly more modern digital interface and a more logical progression for the “intermediate” stage. While Essential Elements is fantastic for the absolute basics in Book 1, many teachers (ourselves included) find that Alfred’s Book 2 does a better job of bridging the gap into more complex musicianship. If your school uses EE, stick with it, but for self-study, we prefer the Alfred Music #00-34560.
The Final Verdict: Is the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone Worth It?
After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the Alfred Music #00-34560 Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2 Trombone is one of the most effective intermediate resources on the market today. Its combination of clear, methodical instruction, expert-led “Sound Advice,” and high-quality online media makes it an unbeatable value for any developing trombonist. It successfully solves the problem of the “second-year slump” by providing a clear, engaging, and technically sound path forward. Whether you are a student in a school band or an adult learner working on your own, this book provides the structure needed to reach the next level of performance.
If you are serious about moving beyond the basics and truly mastering the trombone, this is a necessary investment. The integration of technology and traditional pedagogy is handled better here than in almost any other series we’ve tested. Don’t let your progress stall out; invest in your musical growth today and see why this method has become a staple for brass players worldwide. With its logical progression and professional support tools, it is the perfect companion for your musical journey.
Last update on 2026-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API