Ensemble Music

Commissioned by the Wyoming Music Teacher's Association and the Music Teachers National Association, An American Portrait: Views of the West, is a collection of intermediate level pieces that are musical picture postcards of the wonders of the vast landscape of the American West. Students and teachers will enjoy this musical journey exploring the snow-capped mountain peaks, deep rivers, mysterious rock formations, and unique wildlife that make up...

This laid-back arrangement of Jerome Kern?s Katy-Did is great for establishing an easy groove. Some optional plunger work for the trumpets can really add to the style. Ideal for introducing the band to some more complex harmonies while staying well within the abilities of your beginning jazz ensemble. A great arrangement! 2:11 FJH Beginning Jazz Ensemble Arranged by Ryan Fraley

This fast swing chart from Rob Vuono features melodic and harmonic writing at its best. Even at this grade level, Rob has provided suggested voicings for the rhythm section. Tenor sax has an optional written solo before a sax soli. An a cappella section is ideal to work on the timing of the horns without rhythm before a vamp kicks in, building to the end. Great writing! 4:12 FJH Advanced Jazz Ensemble Rob Vuono, Jr.

This clever and comical selection was inspired by the music of Sergei Prokofiev and other 20th century Russian composers. Written almost as a gallop, the witty tongue-in-cheek melody will provide a nice contrast on your concert program and will no doubt entertain your audience and musicians. A second melody in the same tempo offers a nice contrast to the opening material while the underlying voices maintain the style of the opening. You will sure...

Chris Sharp offers this original Basie-style swing chart. which is a great way to introduce new material while teaching students to stay on the backside of the beat. A tenor sax solo is provided along with changes. Optional notes are included for the lead trumpet to accommodate more advanced ability levels. A great change of pace for your next concert. 3:49 FJH Intermediate Jazz Ensemble Chris Sharp

Can't decide which tunes you want on your winter concert? Solve the problem instantly with this collection of holiday favorites all in one chart! Extremely easy with several interesting twists to make this more appealing for your group and the audience as well. Perfect for your first year jazz ensemble. 2:07 FJH Beginning Jazz Ensemble Arranged by Ken Mattis

A Taste of Honey was made famous by Herb Alpert. Rob Vuono puts his remarkable arranging skills to work in this jazz-waltz version. After an opening chorale in the bone section, the drums kick off the band as the piece builds gradually while changing key two times. Solo is in the alto sax (which includes a written solo as well). 4:20 FJH Intermediate Jazz Ensemble Arranged by Rob Vuono, Jr.

This extremely interesting original is based on a modified New Orleans-style street beat. A ?gritty? bass part really helps add to the style, and there are plenty of opportunities for your pianist to add fills throughout. A tenor solo leads into some creative ensemble writing and a driving shout chorus. Very unique and destined to be one of the bestsellers this year! 5:16 FJH Intermediate Jazz Ensemble Erik Morales

Hansel and Gretel arranged by Carrie Lane Gruselle Experience the magic of Humperdinck's famous opera based on the fairy-tale story of two lost children, a witch, and a gingerbread house. This arrangement includes three famous melodies: The Man in the Wood, Prayer, and Brother, Come and Dance with Me. Each section is separated by a short pause, so directors can be selective if there is not enough time to perform all three melodies. An absolut...

This arrangement was inspired by an Elton John concert in which John Lennon joined Elton on stage to perform. Not only does Larry Norred manage to capture the flare of this performance, but he also includes an exciting shout chorus that will really get the adrenaline pumping. Very invigorating! 2:55 FJH Intermediate Jazz Ensemble Arranged by Larry Norred

This swing chart has a very relaxed sound to it and is based on the chord changes of Cole Porter's Just One of Those Things. Plenty of ensemble writing makes this an ideal chart for your first year jazz ensemble. Extremely modest ranges and technical demands with a more complex sound. Be sure to listen to this one! 2:30 FJH Beginning Jazz Ensemble Erik Morales

The spiritual Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho gets transported to the '40s big band era using the rhythmic feel and famous ostinato from Benny Goodman's Sing, Sing, Sing. With just a little rehearsal time, this straight-forward arrangement will bring down the house! 1:59 FJH Intermediate Jazz Ensemble Arranged by Chris Sharp