Jazz Charts with Expanded Instrumentation

You know it, you love it! The opening motive is very catchy on this authentic sounding chart on the rock classic made famous by the group Chicago. Master arranger Mike Story works his magic to create an

Written by the songwriting duo of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson and made famous by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, this chart features a nice mix of scoring from full ensemble tuttis to short section

Alexander's Ragtime Band is one of Irving Berlin's earliest creations; it has stood the test of time and can still be heard in music venues throughout the world. Peter Blair has created a

Paul Murtha's take on Meghan Trainor's smash hit features a catchy melody, a strong rhythmic pulse, hand claps, fun instrumental effects, and a hint of doo-wop. Arranged here in an easy setting for younger

One of the iconic early hits by the Beatles, this catchy tune features an immediately recognizable melody and a driving swing/shuffle style. Included in this version for young players is the famous

Featured in the movie "Shrek," this familiar hit by Smash Mouth has become an enduring part of pop culture. This arrangement for young players features the melody passed from section to section, and the

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

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

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,

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

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

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 is an easy and fun beginning rock chart that will instantly grab your students' attention! A steady beat, easy rhythms, and modest ranges provide a solid introduction to rock style. The two-measure

This chart is a strong addition to the young jazz ensemble repertoire and includes a solo improvisation guide that will help beginning improvisers develop their creative skills and build an

This Mike Collins-Dowden swing-style original features a hip melody, interesting call-and-response passages between the saxes and brass, nice dynamic contrasts, a written or improv solo for trumpet, and

Here's a great vehicle for teaching your younger jazz ensemble how to swing. Originally a blues tune from 1919, this familiar song has become an often recorded jazz standard. John Berry's updated version

Let the rhythm section lay down an earthy groove in half-time funk. The horns ride along with a bluesy melody that builds to a great stop-time. Modest ranges all around with reduced instrumentation (three

Beantown Blues Parade is an upbeat New Orleans second line groove for developing jazz bands. It is very accessible with features, including written solos for trumpet 1 (or trumpet

Great scoring and a solid melody make this straight-ahead swing chart a great choice for younger bands. The minor harmonies provide an easy entry into the world of improvisation. With its flexible scoring,