2019/2020 Editors' Choice Contest & Festival Selections

Active Measures is a classic straight-ahead swing chart with bebop overtones that groove right along, especially behind the soloists. Additional features include two sax soli sections and a short

This creative chart is a wild trek through multiple styles and energy levels. Part of the Metroplexity Big Band series, it's reminiscent of modern wind ensemble overtures. Adventures includes a

Originally a #1 hit for Toto in the early 1980s, and recorded again by the group Weezer, this powerful rock anthem features a distinctive groove and memorable lines. In this chart it's given a contemporary

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

This lush chart on Alone Together is a beautiful ensemble jazz ballad with a haunting melody and lots of interesting counterpoint and harmonies. Written with comfortable ranges and played

Always Simpatico will take audiences through a unique and satisfying musical journey. The humble melody introduced at the beginning travels from section to section, building in intensity each time

Show off your rhythm section with this high powered bebop chart for experienced groups based on I Got Rhythm changes. The unique intro features the horns and the drummer on ride cymbal, and then

An intense, hard-hitting, up-tempo rock tune with the feel of a cataclysmic event! Played at around 150 bpm, it features repetitive rhythms and patterns that guarantee jazz bands will be performance-ready

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

At Water's Edge is a floating ECM-style tune with a beautiful, haunting melody... think Pat Metheny. The chart weaves through numerous energy levels and colors as it builds to its dramatic ending.

Here's a great opener, closer, or anything in between! This swinging shuffle features cool lines, surprising harmonies, great rhythm section hooks, and much more. Notated rhythm section parts, reasonable

Take your young jazz band and its audiences on a Jamaican cruise with this with this easygoing calypso groove chart with a sassy melody. There are no individual solos and it features an easy

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.

Featuring a churning swing style and a catchy riff-based melody, this well-crafted chart spins its way through every section of the ensemble. In the solo section, written samples are provided for tenor,

Big Mouth kicks at the beginning and never lets up! If you like Jeff's Critical Mass, Honk, Old School, and Mohave Breakdown, then you've got to check this one out! Written

Originally composed for Weather Report and released in 1967, Joe Zawinul's quintessential jazz fusion standard has been recorded by countless artists through the years. This chart is a slightly truncated

This easy swing tune is a great way to introduce the music of Dizzy Gillespie to young jazz musicians. The trumpets take the first chorus followed by the saxes on the second. Skillful scoring for young

As the deep water swamp theme suggests, it's a great tool for developing low registers in younger players. The straight eighth-note rock style requires no triplet interpretation, so developing groups can

With a sit-up-and-take-notice introduction, Blackwing Blues is a straight-ahead shuffle chart played at about 138 bpm that provides an abundance of teaching and performance opportunities. With the

Blame It on the Blues is the perfect vehicle for developing jazzers to learn the essentials of swing rhythms and phrasing. Doug Beach knows how to do this kind of chart very, very well and this one

With its solid, swinging groove, tasty riffs, catchy down-home melody and solid ensemble writing, Blue Avenue is a great introduction to the swing style for the youngest jazz bands. The two-measure

This easy-level funk chart has a great groove and nice lower voice writing that adds to the excitement. Classic funk horn lines combine with a driving rhythmic pulse to create an instant classic. The

Inspired by The Language of Flowers, this original rock shuffle chart has elements of hip-hop and a smooth funky style. It also has a relaxed groove, harmonic interest, and uses mystery and

This laid-back, easy-going swing chart at the very easy level is a perfect introduction to the blues for aspiring jazz musicians! Bluesy melodies and swinging rhythms will teach basic style in a way that is