Altitude meets artistry with a curated collection of Broadway songbooks tailored for alto saxophonists. This guide highlights five ready-to-use selections that range from solo anthologies to duet arrangements, all suitable for advancing tone, range, and stage-ready repertoire. Each pick focuses on Broadway classics crafted for Alto sax, mezzo-soprano/alto voices, or instrumental duets, ensuring a variety of performance and study options. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, recital programs, or casual gig work, these books offer accessible arrangements, quality notation, and durable layouts that sit well in American bands and schools.
| Product | Brand | Instrumentation | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 Broadway Songs for Alto Sax | Hal Leonard | Alto Sax | 112 |
| Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology Teen Edition | Hal Leonard | Mezzo-Soprano/Alto | 228 |
| Broadway Songs for Two Alto Saxophones | Hal Leonard | Saxophone Duet | 48 |
| The Best Broadway Songs Ever (6th Edition) | Hal Leonard | Piano/Vocal/Guitar | 416 |
| First Book of Broadway Solos | Hal Leonard | Mezzo-Soprano/Alto | Book & CD |
101 Broadway Songs for Alto Sax
This Hal Leonard volume is a practical collection designed specifically for alto sax players seeking Broadway repertoire that scales from beginner to intermediate material. It presents a curated list of songs suitable for recital programs, auditions, or classroom study, with notation and performance cues that support tone development and phrasing. The 112 pages focus on the alto instrument, making it a portable, durable option for practice sessions and small ensemble work. It complements technique-building exercises with familiar, singable melodies from classic and contemporary Broadway scores.
Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology Teen Edition Mezzo-Soprano/Alto Songbook
Designed for mezzo-soprano and alto voices, this Hal Leonard anthology contains theatrical selections arranged for inclusive vocal ranges with piano accompaniment. While primarily a voice-centric book, the array of Broadway titles offers material that altos can adapt for instrumental study or performance with brass-friendly arrangements. The 228-page collection is a robust resource for teaching expressive line, breathing, and dynamic contrast in a musical theatre context. It’s particularly useful for students preparing choruses, duets, and small ensemble performances.
Broadway Songs for Two Alto Saxophones: Easy Instrumental Duets
This Hal Leonard duet collection provides easy instrumental arrangements for two alto saxophones, ideal for school ensembles or casual performances. The 48-page book emphasizes accessibility without sacrificing musicality, enabling players to develop ensemble listening, intonation, and blend. It’s a practical option for teachers seeking supplementary material for early- to mid-level saxophonists who want Broadway color without overly complex vocal lines. The duet format encourages collaborative practice and performance readiness for small-group settings.
The Best Broadway Songs Ever (6th Edition)
This extensive Hal Leonard collection compiles 85 classic Broadway show tunes suitable for piano, vocal, and guitar arrangements. While not instrument-specific, its comprehensive selections provide aspirational material for alto players seeking recognizable, audience-friendly repertoire. For saxophonists, the piano-vocal-guitar framework can guide improvised lines, accompaniment practices, and melodic analysis. The 416-page volume covers enduring favorites and newer hits, making it a strong reference for study and performance cataloging.
First Book of Broadway Solos
Geared toward early- and mid-voice students, this Hal Leonard starter collection includes solos chosen for mezzo-soprano and alto ranges, with a book-and-CD package for listening and practice. While originally vocal-focused, the melodic lines and simplified arrangements offer good material for saxophonists exploring Broadway phrasing and musical storytelling. The inclusion of audio tracks supports aural skills and ensemble rehearsal, helping altos develop confidence in performance contexts and stage etiquette.
Buying Guide
- Voice and instrument alignment: For altos, prefer books labeled for Alto Sax, Mezzos, or Altos, or duet collections with saxophone parts. If choosing a vocal-centric book, verify instrument-friendly adaptations or instrumental practice options.
- Arrangement complexity: Start with level-1 to level-2 material if new to Broadway repertoire, then progress to more advanced selections in larger volumes. Duet collections are excellent for ensemble work and listening skills.
- Notation quality: Look for clear tempo marks, phrasing, and cue notes. Durable bindings and clean layouts help during warm-ups and performance rehearsals.
- Performance context: Consider whether you need solo pieces, ensemble repertoire, or accompaniment-friendly books for student-led recitals, auditions, or classroom use.
- Supplemental materials: Audio CDs or online audio tracks can aid with intonation and rhythm. If a book lacks audio, pair it with a companion recording or teacher-led practice sessions.
- Brand consistency: Hal Leonard collections are widely used in American education settings, offering reliable engraving, layout, and cross-collection compatibility for curriculum planning.
- Duration and page count: For catalog breadth, longer volumes provide more choices; for targeted study, shorter volumes with a focused set of tunes may be preferable.
- Upgrade path: As players progress, mix in larger Broadway songbooks for repertoire expansion and to explore different keys, tempos, and vocal styles captured in notation.
In selecting Broadway songbooks for altos, consider how the material supports technique development, ensemble chemistry, and performance confidence. The five picks shown here balance solo and duet opportunities, vocal-adapted arrangements, and piano-backed accompaniments, offering a well-rounded set for practice rooms, recital programs, and classroom ensembles across the United States.