We're excited to see the new school year launch, and just as excited to provide a great set of jazz ensemble charts. As always, we feature a full variety of styles and levels to accommodate a director's needs. You'll find arrangements of classic standards, compelling original compositions, and everything in between. Whether you are teaching your ensemble the basics of swing and Latin styles, or exploring more advanced styles like bebop or funk, you'll find the charts you need to give your students the best musical experience and present an exciting performance.
Along with the traditional "big band" instrumentation, we also offer titles for "little big band" (6 horns plus rhythm section). We appreciate how difficult it can be to assemble complete "big band" instrumentation in a school setting. This series offers high quality arrangements at various difficulty levels, just as you expect from our traditional big band titles, but with the smaller ensemble.
In recent years we started the Jazz Combo Library series (4 horns plus rhythm section - grade level 4) for more advanced levels of combo. In this series you'll find more independent voicings and a written soli or "shout chorus," which is unusual for combo arrangements that are effectively "head charts." Each title includes, for free download, three audio tracks: a full performance recording; "rhythm section only;" and the solo section isolated to practice improvisation in the "play-along" style.
Billie's Bounce
Charlie Parker (arr. John Wasson)
Jazz Ensemble (Level 4)
Here's an energetic big band treatment of one of jazz legend Charlie Parker's best-known tunes. John Wasson's wonderfully crafted medium up-tempo swing chart features an interplay between the sax and brass sections, along with solos for alto sax and trumpet. Much of ensemble writing is adapted from Bird's famous recorded solo.
Low Country Shuffle
Paul Murtha
Jazz Ensemble (Level 4)
This appealing blues chart opens with the rhythm section a laid-back 2-beat style, but quickly moves to a rockin' shuffle with plenty of attitude. This style alternates with a straight ahead swing feel with each section of the band finding its own space to shine. Included are solos for tenor and trumpet, or really anyone who wants to join the fun. A new key and full ensemble shout chorus drives it home!
Septaurian Funkfest
Mark Taylor
Jazz Ensemble (Level 4)
Nobody does contemporary funk like Mark Taylor, and this great-sounding chart gives every section a chance to shine. Built over a recurring bass line, the catchy sax melody is accompanied by riffs from the brass. A solo for tenor sax is also featured along with brief drum breaks and a solid shout for the entire ensemble.
Some Day My Prince Will Come
Frank Churchill (arr. Chuck Israels)
Jazz Ensemble (Level 3-4)
Best known for his work with the Bill Evans Trio – as well as luminaries such as Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, and Stan Getz – Chuck Israels is also a masterful composer and arranger. Here is his vocal solo arrangement of this timeless standard, beautifully scored as a jazz waltz with tasteful background figures. Also included are short solos for trumpet and piano.
Strike Up the Band
George & Ira Gershwin(arr. Mark Taylor)
Jazz Ensemble (Level 3)
Inspired by the classic version recorded by Count Basie, here is a terrific uptempo swing chart suitable for younger bands. The melody is passed from section to section while building to a full band climax. Various soloing options are provided, and then a powerful shout chorus drives home this exciting chart.
Misteriosa
Michele Fernández
Jazz Ensemble (Level 3)
If you're looking for a change of pace, here is a silky smooth mambo in a modest tempo that features a mysterious and captivating mood. The sassy lines in the saxes are complimented with punches from the brass, and the chart features an open solo section based on a single chord. With carefully notated rhythm section parts, you're sure to find this one unique and hypnotic.
Tu Valor
Michele Fernández
Jazz Ensemble (Level 2)
This attractive and moderately paced original for young players features a tuneful melody in an authentic cha-cha-chá style. Scored with plenty of variety and textures, there is also a short solo for tenor sax. The rhythm section parts are carefully notated to ensure an authentic stylistic interpretation.
Shop Around
The Miracles (arr. Rick Stitzel)
Jazz Ensemble (Level 1.5)
Motown tunes are always a hit with players and audiences alike! Originally recorded by the Miracles in 1960, Rick Stitzel's arrangement for beginning bands features modest ranges and easy rhythm. Also included is a short solo for any saxophone
The Pink Panther
Henry Mancini (arr. Paul Murtha)
Jazz Ensemble (Level 2)
Utilizing the full potential of the little big band format, Paul Murtha's arrangement features plenty of variety, but also full sounding passages for the entire ensemble. Naturally there are some apealingly slinky figures for the saxes, and also written or ad lib. solos for tenor sax and trumpet.
Walkin' Shoes
Gerry Mulligan (arr. Ronnie Cuber)
Jazz Ensemble (Level 4)
Not only was the late Ronnie Cuber an acclaimed saxophonist, he was also a skilled arranger. Here is his swingin' take on this Gerry Mulligan standard.
English (US)