Jazz Ensemble Ballads

This exquisite ballad features the whole ensemble. Beautiful harmony and flowing unison melodic lines make this a perfect down tune for a concert or festival. There is a short written solo for alto sax

Aptly named, this laid-back swing ballad is a wonderful way to introduce young musicians to this iconic Basie style. Once your band can play an accent on the "and" of one and "fat" (not rushed!) quarter

This work is sophisticated in its harmonic language while remaining within the reach of a younger band. It's a beautiful and evocative concert piece that will show the depths of your band's ability. This

This easy bossa nova ballad makes a perfect change of pace that's easy to work up for your next concert. There are no solos in this arrangement. You will enjoy the evocative melody in the saxophones and the

This beautiful ballad for developing groups features an alto saxophone soloist with an emphasis on lyricism and rich harmonies. It also features a confident double-time section along with a solidly scored

Recorded by the Backstreet Boys in 1999, this enduring hit was hailed by critics as the pop ballad of that year. With the melody skillfully passed from section to section, this arrangement goes together

This beautiful jazz ballad is the perfect showcase for an aspiring trumpet soloist. The pensive melody and rich harmonies combine to create a wonderful change-of-pace chart. While there is a short

Ideal for young jazz bands, this moderately slow swinger is a tribute to legendary composer Neal Hefti. Lil' Hefty is a melodic chart with well-noted articulations, written-out rhythm section

This beautiful ballad, scored for young jazz players, is a solo feature for trumpet. With an emphasis on lyricism and rich harmonies, it also includes a double-time solo section that can be

Here's the stunning hit single from the movie "A Star Is Born" recorded by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. This chart for younger players features a rock ballad style, solid scoring for the entire ensemble,

From the classic TV show Peter Gunn, Henry Mancini's iconic ballad is lush and silky. There's nothing fancy here, just nicely scored harmonies and melodies for young players. This beautiful ensemble ballad

This beautiful ballad is the perfect showcase for a budding alto saxophone soloist. The pensive melody and rich harmony combine to create a wonderful change-of-pace chart. While there is an

This tender ballad stays very playable and makes the perfect choice for an elegant break from swing and rock charts for younger ensembles. Additionally, it features some great dynamic moments along

This beautiful and iconic jazz ballad from the 1940s is a study in flowing phrases and lush harmonies. Rick Stitzel's setting for younger players focuses on the full ensemble along with brief written or

In the tradition of Neal Hefti's classic L'il Darlin, 3am is a warm ensemble ballad that opens with a brief written solo for piano and features improvised solos for muted trumpet and tenor sax. It

Adele's megahit ballad adapts nicely for young players in this well-paced arrangement by Rick Stitzel. A solo alto sax starts things out, then the melody is passed to the trombones, and then the full band

Here's a beautiful bluesy Fats Waller ballad originally from 1929 that's very playable by young jazz groups. The tempo is around 82 bpm with a straight-eighth ballad feel, there are smooth and

Henry Mancini's steamy and sultry theme is instantly recognizable from just the opening phrase. Rick Stitzel's medium-slow swing arrangement is largely ensemble based, and will sound great with young

A laid-back, swinging ballad that's perfect for younger jazz bands, Sunset Serenade is reminiscent of the great Li'l Darlin'. This chart pays homage to the great big bands of the 40's

Whitney Houston will always be remembered for this signature ballad. Here is a great-sounding arrangement that features a written solo for alto saxophone, tasteful ensemble accompaniment lines, and later a