Jazz Charts with Expanded Instrumentation

This one's a New Orleans-style chart that will have the bayou bouncing! It's an ideal opener and a great way for young jazzers to learn about the groove. The features include flexible instrumentation,

This driving rock chart hits hard from the very beginning. With its fun melodies and punchy backgrounds, it gives everyone something to play. The completely flexible instrumentation is playable with only

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

Finally, a test that students will look forward to taking! This straight-ahead swinger is ideal for teaching swing rhythm interpretation and improvising on a blues scale. Equally suited to any program,

This minor blues chart swings right out of the opening count off. There is well-written counterpoint and a roaring shout chorus which is ideal for showcasing the entire ensemble. This is a very playable

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

This straight-ahead Bossa passes the melody all around the band and gives everyone interesting lines to play. In addition to an open solo section for the rest of the ensemble, this chart also features some

With accessible range and rhythms well within young players' comfort zone, your students will be confident playing this bluesy swing-style chart. Adequate repetition with just enough subtle change allows

Here's a cool Latin chart that sounds like an evening dance party! Everyone gets a chance to play the melody at some point, and all will be talking about this one on the way home from the

Chin Music is a straight-ahead rocker with a title that refers to a pitch that is thrown to the high and inside part of the plate. A high-energy chart that is a perfect opener or

With exciting yet accessible rhythms, Danza Para Mi Hija (Dance for My Daughter) is a terrific introduction to Latin music. The melody is passed between reeds and brass and there is even a

Inspired by an early morning sunrise, open harmonies and a straight eighth note groove give this chart a very contemporary feel. An excellent point-of-contrast in a program, the simple but memorable

This driving rock chart has a seventies vibe and will be a great contrasting piece for your program. Great for helping young rhythm sections play together, it is perfect for concerts, festivals, or

The smart phone has revolutionized communications - and this chart does the same for big-band performance. The solo section allows players to explore the art of improvisation in complete freedom,

Firewalker begins with a tension and release sound by the horns alone, and eases into a driving samba groove. The features include moderate ranges, notated rhythm section parts, an open solo

Modal jazz has played a big role in the development of the art form, and this haunting straight-eighth groove chart with a mostly legato melody is the perfect introduction to this important style. Colorful

This straight-ahead blues has it all! From an easy swinging melody that gives way to cool counterpoint, it leads to solos that are open for all. All players have an opportunity to improvise on a

This is a hard-grooving funk chart that starts with the saxophones doing some powerful section-playing. It's a great opportunity for your younger groups to get a feel for the funk style. There is an open

This is a grooving chart that encourages enough mischief to be fun without going over the top. In Funky See, Funky Do, funk rhythms are presented in a very teachable way with plenty of

Good times start here! The chart opens with just a snare drum playing backbeats, and the driving rock beat continues throughout. There are many opportunities for drum breaks. Some have suggested fills

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