Big Band Charts
This is a collection of big band charts I wrote for 8th-12th grade jazz band. You may download and use them without charge, but if you find them beneficial, a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Included with each arrangement: Jazz Scales, Jazz Licks and a Groove Practice ensemble vamp, which can be used to help students lock in the proper feel for the chart, as a band warm-up, or as a vehicle for practicing improvisation.
Small Jazz Ensemble
Full Instrumentation: 5 sax, 3 tpt, 3 trb, gtr, pno, bs, dr
Minimum Instrumentation: 3 sax, 2 tpt, 1 trb, pno, dr
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Level 2
Level 3
Level 3.5
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Lazy Dog Blues
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
Learning to play and hear the blues is an essential first step to playing jazz. This laid-back blues provides an opportunity for your beginning jazz band to develop ensemble skills while learning the swing feel. Solos are over traditional blues changes, and may be played with just one Bb blues scale (included). This arrangement also includes a sheet of suggested jazz licks, transposed for all instruments.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: medium swing
Difficulty level: 2 (junior high, high school)
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Blue Goo Boogaloo
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
A groove right out of the 60s Blue Note era, this boogaloo combines a relaxed feel, laid-back horn riffs and a modified blues chord progression for a taste of what was the original funky sound.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: boogaloo
Difficulty level: 3 (advanced junior high, high school)
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The Cat from Catalina
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
This mellow bossa nova is a great introduction to latin jazz. Because it features a straight-8th note feel, students work on the fundamentals of big band jazz playing without having to master swing-style eighth notes. Solo changes are simple and require only one scale (F major). This arrangement also includes a sheet of suggested jazz licks, transposed for all instruments.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: bossa nova
Difficulty level: 3 (junior high, high school)
Free Download
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Pico de Gallo
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
A minor samba that highlights latin rhythms, fluid horn lines, characteristic piano riffs and percussion breaks. Two solo sections with simple changes allow soloists the freedom to stretch out.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: samba
Difficulty level: 3 (junior high, high school)
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We Three Kings
Arr. by James Kass
This jazz waltz is a swinging arrangement of the traditional Christmas carol. It's not terribly challenging, so it can be pulled out and learned relatively quickly for an end-of-term holiday concert. Soloists play over one easy minor scale. This arrangement also includes a sheet of suggested jazz licks, transposed for all instruments.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: jazz waltz
Difficulty level: 3 (junior high, high school)
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The Funky Falcon
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
Written for the Fremont Jr. High jazz band, this features funky syncopated lines and a groove that relies upon tight ensemble playing and a solid drummer.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: funk
Difficulty level: 3.5 (advanced junior high, high school)
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Tides of Syzygy
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
A straight-8th note jazz feel with unusual harmonies, Tides of Syzygy has a more mysterious, mellow sound.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: straight-8th jazz
Difficulty level: 3.5 (high school, advanced junior high)
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Tree Tune
Comp./Arr. by James Kass
A medium-tempo jazz waltz in F minor, this chart has easy solo changes and a catchy melody whose motifs are repeated throughout. This tune is somewhat reminiscent of Take 5 in feel and sound.
MP3 Demo
Score Details
Groove: jazz waltz
Difficulty level: 3.5 (high school, advanced junior high)
Free Download
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