Jazz Charts with Expanded Instrumentation

A great show starter, this is a fun chart with elements of gospel and rock. A strong introduction sets the tone, followed by a unison trombone melody which is then shared around the sections. With solos

This very playable chart is a bluesy, swinging excursion in G minor. Lots of tutti rhythms in the winds make this an excellent choice for a young ensemble just starting on the jazz path. There are solos for

This one's a New Orleans-style chart that will have the bayou bouncing! It's an ideal opener and a great way for young jazzers to learn about the groove. The features include flexible instrumentation,

You guessed it, Alligator Boogaloo  is a funky rock chart with a boogaloo groove played around 136 bpm. It's a simple blues with a great melody introduced by alto and trumpet. Written solos

A standard that really hits the mark! It begins with a bass solo and a trio of winds takes the head. The lead trumpet range to written B above the staff, and there is solo space for tenor with a sample solo

A real jazz classic, this chart kicks! The features include a medium swing style, a written or improvised solo for tenor sax, meaningful ensemble passages, exceptional soli lines, superb phrases, and a

What a great title! This fun original is clearly a great rock arrangement for young jazz bands. Additional features include specific articulation notations, easy brass ranges, a written tenor sax solo (the

Patriotic music for jazz bands is always welcome! This setting begins appropriately at a reverently slow tempo around 60 bpm, with the trumpets carrying the melody followed by a piano interlude. The

Here's a very useful arrangement that will fill the need when your jazz band is requested to play something patriotic. Featuring a variety of tempos and styles, this chart includes five American

Here's a Wes Montgomery bossa/rock tune that grooves along at around 145 bpm with the melody line played by tenor 1 and trumpet 2. With very playable ensemble sections and hits,

Oh, yes! This is a superb setting of the iconic jazz ballad that features the alto sax star in your band. The alto solo is mostly written with opportunities to improvise around the melody, and the ensemble

Here's a very straightforward setting at around 120 bpm for younger jazz bands that will be a favorite with audiences and parents. With limited ranges and rhythms for the horns and extremely playable rhythm

Tame your young beasts with this fun rock chart. It has all the right stuff: a steady beat, easy rhythms and ranges, and it's fun for young players. Beginning improvisers can develop confidence with the

This swinging original for young groups is based on the chord changes to the jazz standard There Will Never Be Another You. The brass ranges are very accessible, the rhythm section parts

Journey made this a hit in 1980 and the cast of Glee did it again in 2010. This solid chart is built on a driving eighth-note pulse and requires no solos. Sure to sound great with limited rehearsal time, it

Originally recorded in 1961 by Jorgen Ingmann, but better known for the 1981 recording by The Sugarhill Gang, this funky hit remains a favorite. Feature your drummer or an additional percussionist (bongos,

Made famous by The Count Basie Orchestra, here is a great-sounding yet playable version of this standard for developing bands. It includes feature spots for every section and optional written or improvised

Are You for Real is a funky rock shuffle for developing jazz bands that will be appealing to players and audiences. Inventive harmonies make this contemporary chart sound far more difficult than it

Around the Bend, with its solid rock feel coupled with blues changes, will make younger players feel comfortable and right at home. With the rhythm section and bari sax setting the groove, it

This highly functional and accessible arrangement of six Christmas favorites may be performed as a medley, or a shortened version, or as individual tunes. The selections are presented in contrasting styles