SKU: KN.62033S

UPC: 822795620337.

Commissioned by the Gates Chili High School Jazz Ensemble in Rochester (NY), this winning original alternates between a Latin and straight 8th-note feel, and draws from the ascending melodic minor scale and its related modes for source material. It's a sophisticated chart with moderate range demands and notated rhythm section parts. Soloists can navigate the 16-measure solo using just a single scale over hip jazz chords. Duration 6:55.

SKU: KJ.ZB435

UPC: 084027044759.

Even though it was created in the frozen north of Minnesota, this chart cooks with Brazilian fire. Open intervals and thick textures give way to a strong melody that is passed through the ensemble. The exciting shout chorus kicks all the way to the end. A winner!

About First Place for Jazz

All First Place for Jazz selections feature moderate ranges, notated rhythm section parts, and open solo sections.

SKU: KN.04500S

UPC: 822795045000.

As recorded by the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on Central Park North (Solid State #18058), this classic swinger is a winning mix of solo-with-rhythm-section and full-band passages. Designated soloists include piano, trumpet and tenor, with the drummer taking a solo just before the final four bars. Rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued. Duration 5:52.

SKU: KJ.ZB393F

UPC: 8402702310.

Mike Kamuf has composed another winner with The Goodness Box, a chart that is correlated with the Standard of Excellence Advanced Jazz Ensemble Method. A riff-oriented melody over a funky rhythm section groove makes this a perfect concert or festival selection. - Beginning Level Jazz Charts - Flexibly orchestrated so that they can be played with as few as 9 players. - Everyone in the ensemble has an opportunity to improvise in the open solo section. - 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.61035

UPC: 822795610352.

Continuing with Carl Strommen's popular baseball-theme charts, this one refers to the tradition of infielders tossing the ball to each other after a successful out. It opens with an unaccompanied bass solo, followed by a trumpet and tenor soli. The same duo is later featured in the written or ad-lib solo section. Set in a bright swing groove for advancing groups, shifts between 2 and 4 feels and solid material for all make it a sure winner. Rhythm section parts are notated with chords cued, and a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson is included. Duration 3:05.

SKU: KJ.ZB399F

UPC: 8402702318.

Softly is a beautiful ballad in a slow funk/rock style that blends solo improvisation and terrific ensemble writing into a chart that will be a winner for any concert or festival performance. Brad Ciechomski has written successfully for concert band and jazz ensemble, and has created another gem of a composition that is musically satisfying while being very playable by students.

SKU: CL.032-4480-01

A totally energetic and exciting rock piece featuring a hip, driving, minor-key melody over a set of shifting and unexpected chord changes. Built upon a 12-bar frame, featuring lines layered over the propulsive bass line. No solos to worry about on this chart; just great ensemble writing that features the entire band. An exciting drum break leads into a solid saxophone soli, followed by a sensational out-chorus that builds and builds. Carefully scored with modest ranges and to sound full with limited instrumentation, A sure winner!

SKU: CL.032-4120-01

You’ve got the winning recipe with this great chart by Larry Neeck. This up-tempo swinger has it all; jazzy sax lines, strong brass hooks, and a powerhouse shout-chorus to top it all off. It even has a couple of short Gene Krupa styled solos for the drummer. Suggested solos are provided and the chart is playable with a limited instrumentation. An excellent choice for any mid-level band performance. Your band has got the formula to swing with Horns + Rhythm = Swing!.

SKU: CL.032-4478-01

Beautiful and creative adaptation of the familiar theme from Dvorak's New World Symphony, this arrangement is just what you need for the ballad spot in your contest/competition programs. Written as a trumpet/flugelhorn feature, it is equally effective spotlighting an alto saxophone. The frequently changing harmonies and flowing counter lines keep things interesting while the limited ranges and easy rhythms keep things simple. No worries. A guaranteed winner!

SKU: CL.SCM-1091-01

Carl has created a very playable medium Latin groove with a strong intro and a flowing unison melody. The full ensemble joins in before the first solo which enters and exits with a unison montuno for the rhythm section. The pleasant melody, written solos, easy ranges and even 8th feel throughout make this a winner needing little rehearsal time. Written out solos. Written ranges: Trp. 1 ( A) , Trb 1. (F) , Alto (C#).