Jazz Ensemble for Beginners

Larry Clark has composed a great introduction to the blues that is filled with ensemble passages that work beautifully. One of the fundamentals of the blues is "call and response" and this chart demon...

This straight-ahead swinger has no solos - just solid ensemble writing - and is ideal for teaching basic concepts of swing in the classic big band tradition. Based on a 12-bar blues with a few alterat...

Composed and recorded by jazz legend John Coltrane, this medium tempo blues tune features an easy-to-play melody and solid tutti-style rhythms for the ensemble. In addition, the blues changes and mode...

Few purely instrumental tunes ever reach the level of popularity achieved by this familiar '60s hit by Booker T. and the MG's. Often used in TV and film, this infectious tune has a bluesy groove that'...

Here is a clever blues tune written in a medium swing style. The melody features some half-step slippin' around played by full ensemble. Solo sections are also provided for any sax and any brass instr...

Recorded by American blues singer John Lee Hooker in 1961, this remains one of his most identifiable and enduring songs. John Berry's bluesy swing version for young players includes the signature ques...

Arranged in a medium swing/shuffle style, here is a very easy version of this jazz standard by Sonny Rollins that maintains the style and feel of the original. Featuring a mix of tutti playing and cal...

Recorded on the 1956 album Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet, this jazz standard composed by pianist Red Garland adapts beautifully for beginning jazzers. With a moderate tempo, riff-based melody,...

Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble - Grade 1-2 This latest installment in the continuing adventures of Bubbert is a blues in a '60s boogaloo style. It's loaded with blues scale material that can be...

Riff-based blues tunes are always valuable when teaching young players to improvise, and here is one of the best! Arranged here for inexperienced players, this Sonny Rollins classic features a swing s...

Finally, this Ellington classic is available for even the most inexperienced bands. For starters, this version is in Bb rather than C. Rick features the saxes on the melody with inventive brass counte...

Now even your youngest players get to swing. And swing hard they will! This super achievable twelve-bar blues chart has it all, including a "head" that's as catchy as its title, an open solo section c...

Now even your youngest players get to swing. And swing hard they will! This super achievable twelve-bar blues chart has it all, including a "head" that's as catchy as its title, an open solo section c...

Now even your youngest players get to swing. And swing hard they will! This super achievable twelve-bar blues chart has it all, including a "head" that's as catchy as its title, an open solo section c...

Now even your youngest players get to swing. And swing hard they will! This super achievable twelve-bar blues chart has it all, including a "head" that's as catchy as its title, an open solo section c...

Alternating between an easy "two" feel and a shuffle "four" this solid chart just sounds great. Composer Carl Strommen has a knack for making very playable charts sound full and appealing and there is...

Alternating between an easy "two" feel and a shuffle "four" this solid chart just sounds great. Composer Carl Strommen has a knack for making very playable charts sound full and appealing and there is...

Have you got the Fake News Blues? This chart is the cure! Full ensemble work, an open solo section and a solid swing feel are the cornerstones of this new original at the very easy level. Scored for 4...

Try this slow, yet hard-swinging shuffle on your next big band outing. The bluesy sound emphasizes the groove and is accessible for developing groups. Written especially for the Lincoln Middle School...

Joined At The Hip brings the unmistakable groove of funky '60s-style jazz to your young jazz ensemble. Part of the Barnhouse Jazz Starters! series, this flexible instrumentation chart features a laid-...

With a medium funk groove and catchy riff-like melody, this original by Rick Stitzel will quickly become one of your band's favorites. There's plenty of solid ensemble playing to make it easy to learn...

Originally recorded by The Meters in 1969, Cissy Strut has since become a model for playing funk, recorded by both jazz and rock artists. The signature bass line is played by trombones, tenors and bar...

Originally recorded by The Meters in 1969, Cissy Strut has since become a model for playing funk, recorded by both jazz and rock artists. The signature bass line is played by trombones, tenors and bar...

Anyone who remembers Blood, Sweat & Tears will instantly recognize this jazz-rock classic from the '60s. Perfect for teaching rock to beginning bands, this easy chart gives every section a chance to s...