First Place for Jazz is a comprehensive, introductory jazz method and can be essential for implementing a jazz ensemble curriculum. The book is divided into three sections by key: Concert Bb, F, and Eb. Within each section the major, Mixolydian, Dorian, and blues scales and correlated chords of that key are introduced through Jazz Starters, Rhythm Section Spotlights, and Rhythm Sectionals. These enrichments prepare students to play each of the twelve grade 1 and 2 Jazz Ensemble Charts and Lead Sheets that are included in the book. Suitable for group or individual instruction, this unique organization, combined with a host of innovative features including an online Interactive Practice Studio and availability in SmartMusic, will provide bands with the tools they need. Additional features include: Aurally Presented Scales (a foundation for more advanced improvisation study); Progressive Pitch Sets (students learn to walk before they run); One at a Time Chord Introduction (allows students to gradually master their harmonic understanding); Rhythm Figures (taken from the included jazz ensemble charts, helping students to develop an understanding of phrasing and articulation); Improvisation Practice (giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the exercises); Let's Check Progress (motivates students by allowing them to chart their growth); Spotlights (develops the individual skills required of rhythm section players); Instrument-specific Recordings (provided online in the First Place for Jazz Interactive Practice Studio for Jazz Starters exercises, charts and Lead Sheets); Rhythm Sectionals (builds the rhythm section groove for the included Jazz Ensemble Charts step-by-step) and much, much more! Essential for implementing a comprehensive jazz curriculum, this method is built from the ground up!

Basic Library
Here is the sequel to the groundbreaking pedagogy introduced in the Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method. This comprehensive method can be used by students who have completed the first book, or any student with intermediate-level instrumental skills and at least one year of jazz ensemble experience. Building upon the skills introduced in the first book, the Advanced method focuses on improvisation and its integration into full jazz ensemble performance. Each student book comes with a demonstration/accompaniment CD and continues the non-theoretical, aurally-based approach of the first book. It's perfect for advanced middle and high school jazz ensembles or students of any age who have played in jazz ensembles but never formally studied improvisation. The 500+ page Director's Score includes everything in the student books, plus Director Tips, Student Enrichments, duplicable Listening Worksheets and Rhythm Studies, a Jazz Ensemble Director's Guide, Glossary of Jazz Terms and two CDs! It's not just a method, it's a curriculum! Your students and your jazz ensemble as a whole will reap huge rewards with this!

Basic Library
This is a comprehensive method for developing the skills of your young jazz students! Using the experience gained in creating the well-known Standard of Excellence Band Method, the authors have designed an aurally-based method that will help students learn to play jazz by listening! Ideal for group or individual study, each part book comes with an accompaniment CD, providing students with opportunities to listen to and play along with professional jazz musicians. Easy-to-use Rhythm Studies, Improvisation Studies, special rhythm section exercises and full jazz ensemble charts all come together to provide the most comprehensive introduction to jazz possible! The Director Score includes all music and text from the student books, plus teaching tips, rehearsal suggestions, articles on various aspects of putting together a band, and many activities to help reinforce students' abilities.