These exciting new jazz numbers will give starter bands the encouragement and assurance they need to sound really great. It's not necessary to use all the parts just choose the ones that best suit your players. Thereare flexible parts for C B Flat and E Flat instruments Piano and Bass. Each tune has a melody line for C B Flat or E Flat instruments. Most tunes have some improvisation starter notes which can be used throughout thepiece to create solos and give confidence to beginner improvisers. On the included backing track CD the backing accompaniments for each piece are repeated four times to allow for optimal improvised solos.

Discovery Jazz – Grade 1.5Here is a good example of creative arranging using very limited technical demands. Michael has taken this familiar standard and converted it into a smooth-sounding Latin chart. Atrumpet/alto duet starts things out then the full ensemble gets into the act. No solos are required however a stop-time section features written or ad lib. drum fills.

Another outstanding, swingin' chart from the expert Dave Wolpe. A great tune at 152 BPM, fat ensemble voicings, nice solis, written-out solos for trumpet 2 and piano, and optional parts to include vibes. What's not to like? (2:40) / Ensemble De Jazz

The funky stylings of Horace Silver are featured in this energetic arrangement from the acclaimed CD ?Live at the MCG? recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. A trumpet and tenor duet starts us off followedby ensemble punches and solos for tenor and trombone. The entire ensemble gets into the act as the chart roars to a climactic finish.From the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra CD ?The Clayton-Hamilton JazzOrchestra Live at MCG? (MCGJ 1017); Courtesy of MCG Jazz (www.mcgjazz.org).

Grade 1.5Finally this Ellington classic is available for even the most inexperienced bands. For starters this version is in Bb rather than C. Rick features the saxes on the melody with inventive brass counterlines andlater a marvelous ensemble tutti section that starts soft then builds to the end. An absolute must! Performance Time: 3:30

You Raise Me Up is part of the wonderful Young Jazz Ensemble series designed for developing Jazz groups and young players of grade 2 standard. The full instrumentation for a large brass band is provided though this flexible ensemble is versatile enough to be played by smaller groups as are further optional parts to extend or alter the arrangement to suit. A smash hit on either side of the Atlantic performed by vocal star Josh Groban and Westlife and also sung as a touching tribute to the NASA space shuttle Columbia astronauts this uplifting melody has arranged for the young Jazz ensemble. Featuring a tenor sax solo with modest brass ranges thisn straighteigth-note chart will come together. This chart builds in intensity with modulations from F to G to A-Flat. This is a must have enjoyable and entertaining edition. This fabulous package also contains a CD including all the songs from the series played by professional musicians allowing yiou to hear how each arrangement should sound.

In the able hands of master arranger Michael Philip Mossman this popular standard from the 1930s takes on new life. Using a mix of cha-cha and mambo styles this marvelous arrangement becomes a solo vehicle for tenor sax alongwith ample space for the full band to shine. Throughout this chart is loaded with impact and attitude!

Hypnotic Ciel Étoilé it means ?starry sky? in French uses the bass as a dark night of sound dotted with pointillist percussive sounds from the cymbals and crotales. The work is written in thirty-six bars each one a ?star? played very slowly and at varying speeds.Kaijai Saariaho is a contemporary Finnish composer living and working in Paris and considered to be part of the so-called ?French Spectralist? school of composition. Unlike many of herother works Ciel Étoilé has no electronic extensions but fully explores the multiple sonorities of the bass. She gained international renown for her first opera l?Amour du Loin and continues a prolific compositional life with awide range of international performances.

Here is the techno-rock dance hit by The Wiseguys arranged for beginning jazz groups. Your players will have a ball with this one!

Although Jobim penned a wealth of great Latin tunes this standard is unquestionably one of his best. Paul Murtha's smooth and silky chart alternates between the saxes and trumpets on the melody with solo space provided for altosax. Although written with young players in mind even advanced groups will sound great playing this exceptional arrangement.

From John La Barbera's acclaimed CD “On The Wild Side ” here is a masterful arrangement of the Miles Davis modal standard. Opening with a chorale the chart then slips into a classy jazz waltz treatment of the themeincluding a solo section featuring trumpet and tenor. The climactic ensemble chorus starts soft then builds to a furious level then the chart winds down to a quiet closing with the saxes. A genuine treat for the ears.

This jazz gem from the pen of Tadd Dameron features an easy flowing swing style and adapts wonderfully for full jazz ensemble. Mark's arrangement includes a small group (alto tenor bari. trumpet trombone guitar and vibes) offthe top that contrasts nicely with the full ensemble figures. Also included is a swingin' sax soli solos for trombone and alto and a tutti full band chorus that starts out soft minus drums then builds to a peak.

Grade 1.5What better way to introduce the music of Duke Ellington to your young jazzers than with this wonderfully scored arrangement by Michael Sweeney? Even at this easy level this chart really swings and will soundgreat with limited rehearsal time. Your pianist gets a rare chance to shine as he or she is featured on the melody while the ensemble answers. Later every section gets to play the melody and there is a solo section for any sax.The final section starts softly with saxes alone then builds as various layers are added. A great-sounding chart for beginning bands.

Specifically designed to teach jazz basics to students with 1 or 2 years playing experience but with no prior experience playing jazz. Great for individual or classroom use. Teaches the basics of swing style in a step-by-step approach using well-known songs. Improvisation is made easy starting with simple 2-measure phrases. Scales and basic theory are introduced in a simple and easy to understand approach. 2 CD's are included with recordings of all exercises and arrangements. Other features: 7 full band arrangements sample solos jazz history and people.