Jazz Ensemble Ballads

This contemporary jazz ballad features the lead alto saxophone and keyboard. The auxiliary percussion part also plays a vital role, adding a variety of colors that aid the drummer in building the band to a

Travel back in time to the big band era with this nostalgic dance ballad ensemble feature. This idiomatic chart with a lyrical melody will immerse players in the tightly voiced harmonies and textures made

Copper Bell Memories is a moving solo feature for tenor saxophone. The contemporary harmonies provide a contrast to the rest of any program. The orchestration builds to a soaring, breathtaking

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

Here's a beautiful ballad at about 76 bpm for the youngest jazz ensembles. Perfect for introducing soft legato playing at a slow tempo, it's mostly scored for the full ensemble. There are numerous short

This hit from the group Twenty One Pilots starts off as an elegant ballad and heats up halfway through the chart to a powerful, exciting rock tune. There are no solo sections in this chart, but the drummer

This funky pop rock ballad by George Michael has captured the hearts of a new generation and your students and audiences will instantly recognize the hook. The solo section features adlib or improvised

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

This Ellington-style ballad is what big band music is all about. It features a wide array of potential solos with featured solo parts included for alto sax, tenor sax, flugelhorn, bass trombone, and guitar.

Alan Baylock sets this wonderful tune in a sultry 12/8 groove played at about 72 bpm, making it feel lazy and relaxed. There are no solos, just sweet ensemble writing all the way. The lead trumpet

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

Feature your aspiring trombone soloist with this soulful rock ballad. The range is very moderate to ensure a feeling of security, the solo part is mostly written, and the accessible improvised solo 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,

Your Time Will Come is a slow rock ballad in 3/4 time that features a trumpet soloist throughout. It can optionally feature an alto saxophone soloist. The solo part is very accessible with the

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

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

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

Don't miss this ensemble ballad in the style of the great collaborations between Count Basie and Neal Hefti. Your young jazz band is sure to get the crowd on the dance floor with this one! A terrific

This great standard gets an easy treatment for young jazzers. It's a straight-eighth ensemble ballad that's played at about 90 bpm with the emphasis focused on melodic playing. A tasteful written solo for

Lush Life  is one of the finest ballads ever by a brilliant composer and gifted arranger. As played at around 88 bpm and moving into a double-time bossa section leading into the

Oh yeah, a beautiful straight-eighth Ellington ballad! Come Sunday  is played around 84 bpm with gorgeous voicings throughout. There are suggested or improvised solos for tenor and