Band Class 1

Band Class 1 — 19 works available from Reed Music as printed scores ready for speedy delivery.

The Australian Band Method

Band Class 1, 2 & 3 is a 3-year band method written by Australian Sam Seabrook, designed specifically for Australian classroom band programs. Through the innovative use of harmony, all instruments begin in a comfortable range — alleviating the long-standing problem of flutes, oboes and horns falling behind. Each page begins with unison exercises that extend into simple harmony using the comfortable keys of B♭ and later E♭ concert.

The music is a mixture of well-known folk tunes and classical themes, complemented with original compositions by Sam Seabrook. Technical exercises in unison prepare each new concept before new tunes in harmony are introduced.

Comfortable instrument ranges across the ensemble

Free play-along tracks

Free MP3 play-along tracks at three speeds accompany the tunes and exercises — so students can practise at home with a motivating accompaniment, developing clear pulse, phrasing and breathing, and choose the speed that suits their stage. All tracks can be downloaded in these zip files.

Slow · 112 MB
Medium · 90 MB
Fast · 77 MB

Try 26 tunes, free

Download 26 tunes from the first four pages and try Band Class with your existing ensemble — you’ll quickly see how it works and how it’s tailored for Australian school music programs. Prefer a printed sample part book of your choice posted to you? Just get in touch.

Download sample · PDF, 8 MB

Why it works

The use of harmony lets every instrument play in a comfortable range while creating an authentic band sound right from the beginning. The progression of exercises and tunes develops well-rounded musicians with accurate intonation, precise rhythm and harmonic awareness.

The books are competitively priced and printed locally in Australia, and are already used by thousands of students across Australia and New Zealand. Band Class suits primary and secondary band programs and complies with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS), with clear assessment guidelines for teacher and student.

What’s inside

Band Class 1 contents — page 1
Band Class 1 contents — page 2
Band Class 1 snare drum rudiments
Band Class 1 percussion instruments

All 19 books — jump to a part

Available in the series

Band Class 1 cover

Band Class 1

  • Written for Australian education systems.
  • All instruments begin in a comfortable range (flutes and oboes begin on B♭, C and A).
  • Unison and harmony used throughout for comprehensive musical development.
  • Standard music terminology used in Australia (crotchets, quavers).
  • Concert pieces with piano accompaniment.
  • Duets for mixed instruments included.
  • Full-length band arrangements.
  • 3 theory revision pages.
  • Competitively priced.
  • Made in Australia.

Band Class 2

  • Extra instrument parts for larger ensembles, including bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, drum kit, and E♭ and B♭ tuba.
  • Unison and harmony used throughout for comprehensive musical development.
  • Australian compositions, well-known tunes and relevant unison exercises.
  • Expanded instrumental techniques and instrument-specific extension exercises.
  • 3 theory revision pages.
  • Comprehensive scales page.
  • Duets and solo repertoire for mixed instruments with piano accompaniment.
  • Full-length band arrangements.
Band Class 2 cover
Band Class 3 cover

Band Class 3

  • A great-value repertoire collection of 23 original Australian band compositions for levels 1½–3.
  • Score includes all parts, program notes, fingerings and performance instructions.
  • Pieces range from 1½–4 minutes, with more than an hour of music.
  • Additional band exercises, warm-ups and scales.
  • Can be used as a repertoire book, or as a continuation from Band Class 2.
  • Parts for larger groups, including 1st and 2nd books for flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet and trombone.
  • Perfect for concerts.

Level of Difficulty

Band grade