YOLA Jazz Suite

Commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for their youth orchestra program (YOLA), the YOLA Jazz Suite, a 3-movement suite for full orchestra (+ drum set) is designed to introduce students to standard jazz forms and vocabulary. The different tempos and styles of the 3 movements make the suite a perfect, all-inclusive festival program. Each movement can also stand alone.

A String Orchestra version is available as "Pirate Suite".

Movement 1: "Expo Swings" is an up-tempo Bebop style melody built on classic "Rhythm Changes" form and harmony.

Movement 2: "Strolling the Beach at Sunset" is a lush ballad that includes an emotive violin solo.

Movement 3: "Beckmen Blues" is a hard-swinging blues with a shout chorus, reminiscent of the Count Basie Orchestra.