Big Band Standards

Made famous by Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, here is a fun chart from the early swing era. The saxes do most of the heavy lifting, supported by punches and backgrounds in the brass. Also featured are

Here's a distinctive arrangement for beginning jazz groups on one of Duke Ellington's most recognizable tunes. One of the featured works in the 2014 movie "Whiplash," it combines the styles of Latin and big

This Ellington favorite adapts beautifully to the little big band format in the skilled hands of Michael Mossman. The classic tune is still there, but with a contemporary twist. Instrumentation:

Everyone will recognize this Duke Ellington classic! It was one of the featured works in the 2014 movie "Whiplash" and uses interesting textures and alternates between a Latin groove and swing.

Recently featured in the motion picture "Whiplash,"  this barnburner by outstanding arranger John Wasson is pure Latin fire from start to finish! This chart will have your students begging to practice.

Here's one of Duke Ellington's iconic tunes in a swingin' chart scored for the little big band format. Mark Taylor really gets the most out of just six horn parts in this great-sounding chart! Solo space is

Introduce your young players to the suave Mr. Ellington with this medium tempo swing chart! It's a nice and easy presentation of this wonderful jazz standard. The features include a few sax section solis,

What better way to introduce the music of Duke Ellington to your young jazzers than with this wonderfully scored arrangement by Michael Sweeney!  Even at this easy level, this chart really swings and

One of the classic trademark tunes from the Duke Ellington library, this familiar jazz standard is solidly scored for younger players by Mark Taylor. When it comes to accessible charts in a medium swing

True to the original medium-tempo swing style, this creative chart in the Little Big Band format features satisfying full-ensemble scoring with suggested or improvised solos for tenor sax and trumpet.

Arranged for the easier level of the Little Big Band Series, this familiar standard is set in a slow and sultry swing style with the melody traded between the saxes and trumpets. A great choice for younger

This Kenton original from the Adventure in Blues album is a great way to feature your top trombonist! You will love this hard-swinging and stylistically interesting adaptation which makes the chart very

This Peter Blair chart on the Neal Hefti/Count Basie classic is a wonderful adaptation for younger jazz groups. It does its Basie thing with a light and cool swing feel, includes nice changes in

One of the classic jazz tunes of all time! Set in a medium swing tempo for four flexible horns and rhythm section. Nice!

Close to the original, but somewhat simplified, this burning rocker from the Maynard Ferguson library really sizzles with a driving intensity! The lead trumpet goes up to high D with a couple high E's

Made famous by Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, here is a marvelous adaptation for developing players by Paul Murtha! Following the opening chorus for piano, the trumpets state the main theme with answers

Made famous by the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis band, this accessible version has a gospel rock groove that fits perfectly. Played at about 132 bpm with straight eighths, this chart is packed with goodies