Since the early sixteenth century, the bassoon has played a role of varying importance in musical organizations. Early groups used as many as twenty-four bassoons in conjunction with other instruments. Today, it is common to have no more than two or three bassoons in bands and orchestras because other instruments, as they developed, have replaced the bassoon in the instrumentation of such groups. Although the bassoon is not as important numerically as it formerly was, its place in musical organizations is assured because it has expressive colors and tonal qualities which cannot be duplicated by any other instrument. The bassoon is especially important as a bass instrument in small ensembles.

It is the purpose of this thesis to list and evaluate the published materials for junior high school band that the director may have a comprehensive knowledge of materials adapted to that level.