Ballads Sheet Music

This is probably Charles Mingus' best-known composition. Sy Johnson's updated chart is the authentic version as performed by the Mingus Big Band on the CD Blues and Politics.

From the Mingus Big Band CD Live In Time, this is one of the most creative charts in the band's book. Don't be fooled by the apparent normal sounds at the beginning, as this multi-styled production nu...

Woody Herman made this tune famous with its lush ballad style. This excellent arrangement for young bands features the entire sax section as well as a brief written solo for alto. Nicely scored to sou...

Written in an even 8th note ballad style, this smooth sounding original can be used to feature either an alto sax or trumpet soloist. Scored to sound full with beginning groups, this makes a nice chan...

No one handles Ellington for younger ensembles better than Mark Taylor, and this well-crafted arrangement shows why. Although Mark uses a written trumpet solo on the bridge, the main theme is handled...

From the 1960's Broadway production All American, this ballad has enjoyed wide popularity among jazz artists and has been recorded countless times. The beautiful melody and marvelous changes are blend...

Recorded by The Association in 1967, this tune became one of the signature ballads of the decade. This nicely scored arrangement features a trombone solo, the trombone section, and also a solo for alt...

Recorded by the group Styx in 1977, this chart opens in a rock ballad style featuring a solo alto sax. The mood then shifts to a driving rock pulse featuring the brass on the powerful strains of the c...

Mike Tomaro's tasteful rendering of this classic ballad from Alec Wilder features subtle reharmonizations and a lush orchestration. Includes solo space for trumpet and piano.

Here is a beautifully scored version of Whitney Houston's popular ballad from 1985, her first recording to reach #1 on the pop charts. Mark passes the melody around to different sections, but the styl...

From Marvin Hamlisch's landmark musical A Chorus Line, here is the well-known ballad 'What I Did for Love' in a creative and appealing setting for young bands. Written in a medium slow Latin style, it...

Composed in the 1940s, here is a magnificent rhapsodic treatment of this classic jazz ballad. Mike skillfully features all sections of the band in this lush and flowing arrangement.

Mark Taylor has crafted a unique version of this familiar hit originally recorded by The Beatles. After a gentle ballad-like intro, the style shifts to jazz waltz featuring a tenor sax soloist. Along...

This beautiful ballad from the 1940s is a study in flowing phrases and lush harmonies. Rick Stitzel's setting for young players focuses on the full ensemble along with brief solos for alto sax and tru...

Few standards have maintained the staying power of this popular ballad, having been recorded by such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby to more recent versions by Harry Connick Jr. , Barbra S...

This Elvis Presley classic is arranged here in the style of a rock ballad and features a short written-out trumpet solo in the beginning. The melody is skillfully woven between all sections of the ban...

Recorded by the Jackson 5, this was a number one hit in 1970 and again in 1992 recorded by Mariah Carey. This easy ballad is a nice change of pace for beginning bands that everyone can enjoy.

Made famous by the Ray Charles recording, here is a classic tune that everyone knows. Featuring one of the best-known melodies of all time, this easy arrangement for vocal soloist is easy to put toget...

This Rodgers and Hart standard has been recorded countless times and remains a popular choice for singers and instrumentalists alike. Mark's lush setting can also be used as a tenor sax feature and in...

Grades 3-4. (Nowak) Bb

John Berry has done a nice job of adapting this famous standard for younger groups, using a slow swing style and creative harmonic twists. This is also an excellent showcase for your Alto Sax soloist.

Benny Golson's tribute to Clifford Brown has been a jazz favorite for years, and in the hands of Sammy Nestico you won't find a better feature for trumpet or flugelhorn. Silky smooth!

This is an absolutely gorgeous tenor sax feature! The ensemble has plenty to do, too, in providing a lush, subtly swinging backdrop for the soloist. If you have a strong tenor player, this could be th...

Grades 4-6. (Nestico)