Friends of Music has given Musselman High School a $400 grant to help with the purchase of new curriculum books for the 124 students in its symphonic band.
The books are part of a "Sound Innovations for Ensemble Development" series published by Alfred Music. They contain 399 new exercises for advanced concert band students, including over 70 chorales written by some of today's most renowned composers for concert bands.
"This book is a valuable resource in helping students grow in their understanding and abilities as ensemble musicians," says band director Michael Knepper. "Exercises are grouped by key and presented in a variety of intermediate to advanced difficulty levels. Where possible, several exercises in the same category are provided to allow variety while accomplishing the same goals. Its flexibility makes it perfect for our large ensemble rehearsals, lessons, and studio use."
The accompanying photo shows some of the school's band students with the new books.