SKU: KN.52600

Recorded by The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra on the album Thad Jones Legacy, this blazing chart, meant to be played as fast as possible, opens with a repeating vamp featuring horn players on Latin percussion instruments. Then excitement builds as horns enter a few at a time until the whole ensemble reaches the first tutti chorus. Solos for tenor and drums (with horns playing percussion again) are included, and the finale is swift and powerful. Duration 5:00.

SKU: KN.41852

UPC: 822795418521.

Every program needs a great rock chart and this one will be a hit with both the band and the crowd. Scored for 4 horns with rhythm section and expandable to full big band, written or ad lib solos for all are included, along with optional parts for flute, clarinet and horn in F.

SKU: KN.41834

UPC: 822795418347.

This infectious Latin-rock chart at the very easy level will make everyone want to get up and dance. Great melody, great groove, great fun! Scored for 4 horns with rhythm section and expandable to full big band. Written or ad lib solos for all are included, along with optional parts for flute, clarinet and horn in F. Duration 4:27. Available in SmartMusic.

SKU: KJ.JZB384

UPC: 8402701959.

First Impressions draws inspiration from such classic albums as Miles Davis's So What and John Coltrane's Impressions. Use this chart to introduce your students to the relaxed swing feeling of an important era of jazz history. Expert scoring enables your horns and rhythm section to achieve the dynamic balance, clarity, and bounce that are essential to the style. Flexible orchestration allows it to be played by as few as 9 players. Additionally, everyone in the ensemble has an opportunity to improvise in the open solo section, and the set includes two suggested solos and a CD with a solo practice track, to facilitate successful improvisation.

About Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method

The Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method is designed to help both you and your jazz ensemble students explore the world of jazz through easy-to-use Rhythm Studies, Improvisation Studies, Instrument Specific Exercises, and full ensemble jazz charts. The approach is non-theoretical and aurally based. Each part book comes with an accompaniment CD, so like every great jazz player throughout history, students learn to play jazz by listening!

SKU: KN.41928S

UPC: 822795419288.

Take a strong R&B groove, add a fun-to-play melody with a catchy hook, stir in some solid ensemble writing, and you have the recipe for a rock chart that will be a hit with students and audiences alike. The solo section features a 16-bar blues that will be a great vehicle for young soloists to develop their jazz chops. Scored at the very easy level for 5 horns with rhythm section and expandable to full big band, written or ad lib solos for all and optional parts for flute, clarinet and horn in F are included. Duration 4:52.

SKU: KN.41829

UPC: 822795418293.

The minor blues is an essential song form in the jazz language. This swing chart written at the very easy level provides the perfect vehicle to introduce this important form to developing players. Featuring a strong melody, solid ensemble work and an open solo section for players to gain improvisation experience over a minor blues. Scored for 4 horns with rhythm section and expandable to full big band, written or ad lib solos for all are included, along with optional parts for flute, clarinet and horn in F. Duration 3:36.

SKU: KN.41829S

UPC: 822795418293.

The minor blues is an essential song form in the jazz language. This swing chart written at the very easy level provides the perfect vehicle to introduce this important form to developing players. Featuring a strong melody, solid ensemble work and an open solo section for players to gain improvisation experience over a minor blues. Scored for 4 horns with rhythm section and expandable to full big band, written or ad lib solos for all are included, along with optional parts for flute, clarinet and horn in F. Duration 3:36.

SKU: KN.41830S

UPC: 822795418309.

Since its inception, the Jazz Foundations Series has provided great music that can be played with virtually any combination of 4 horns and rhythm up to a full big band. Featuring great ensemble work and a solo section that requires only one scale, this one is a great choice for even the youngest jazz players. Rhythm section parts are notated with chords cued. Duration 3:43.

SKU: KN.41846S

UPC: 822795418460.

In this swinging celebration of the great call-and-response tradition, the featured soloist (any instrument) makes a statement and the ensemble answers. Later they switch roles, making this very easy chart fun for everyone. Written or ad lib solos are included for all. Duration 4:24. Available in SmartMusic.

SKU: KN.02400S

UPC: 822795024005.

Recorded by Count Basie on the album Have A Nice Day (Daybreak Records), this expressive ballad is a study in subtle ensemble textures and colors, with muted brass, delicate piano fills, and a directed ending that closes in a whisper. Rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued.