Jazz Charts with Expanded Instrumentation

A funky groove is a great way to introduce accessible 16th-note rhythms. This fun rocker includes unison and clear articulations, meaning that everyone learns together. The open solo section

A creative and outstanding chart by Alan Baylock on the traditional spiritual. Beginning with claps and foot stomps, it builds throughout and features a written alto solo and a lead trumpet range to written

The theme from "Rocky" is inspiring, triumphant, powerful and noble! This rock-style chart is scored for younger players with the familiar Maynard Ferguson-flavored solo. The lead trumpet range is to

This tune is a fresh new twist on the classic carol Good King Wenceslas. It's not only a great way to start teaching swing style, the four-bar solo section over easy changes also provides a

Alan Baylock has created a sonic landscape for the full ensemble and a tenor saxophone soloist from one of Charles Mingus' most lovely and soulful ballads. The tenor gets the spotlight with an elongated

Grease Wheezer is funky, a little greasy, and a joy to play! The tempo is around 132 bpm, there are written solos for alto and trombone 1, and a funky piano and bass intro. The lead trumpet range

David Gardner's funky original features a straight-ahead groove with the rhythm section establishing the feel right at the top. The ensemble continues with a melody and counterpoint figures that are

Here's an easy-to-play jazz waltz for the holidays with everything written out including a brief alto sax solo. The tempo is around 150 bpm, plus it has very accessible brass ranges and

Based on the chord changes to Milt Jackson's jazz standard Bags' Groove, this swinging blues original for beginning groups features fun, infectious rhythmic figures and dynamics which grow from a

Featuring your underexposed baritone saxophone player, Groanin' owes a lot to Bobby Timmons' Moanin' in its call-and-response melody. It's got energy with a driving, rocky groove. The band

This laid-back swing chart for young jazz bands is based on the chord changes to Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise, made famous by clarinetist/big band leader Artie Shaw. The solo section is

Made famous by the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis band, this accessible version has a gospel rock groove that fits perfectly. Played at about 132 bpm with straight eighths, this chart is packed with goodies

The funky groove starts right away and never lets up in this accessible rock chart for young jazz bands. Punchy lines coupled with colorful harmonies set this piece apart. The solos are for anyone with

This original and exciting composition is designed to give young ensembles the authentic sound that is heard in some of today's commercial music. Blending both the Latin and rock genres, with lots of

This tune is written in the style of a cha-cha. It has an open solo section to give all of your students an opportunity for improvisation along with some great ensemble playing. The piece builds into an

Composed by Jose Fernandez Diaz and adapted for young players by John Berry, this familiar Cuban song is featured here as a great-sounding Latin chart. The ranges are easy, the tempo is modest, there

Every young jazz band needs a great rock chart, and this dynamic original from Doug Beach and George Shutack will be a hit with young jazzers. With the flexible scoring, groups of any size can perform this

Skillfully written for the youngest jazz ensembles, this original Latin/rock chart played at about 128-138 bpm is easy to rehearse, teach and learn. It's a very effective and playable vehicle that

Recorded by Fitz and the Tantrums, this catchy tune often shows up in pop culture and on the airwaves in addition to the pop charts. This very easy ensemble-based arrangement will be instantly recognizable