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 Combos

Welcome to our Combo Series of charts!

These new original compositions are based on established chord changes such as the 12 bar blues, or “rhythm changes” or jazz standards, and can be played by any combination of instruments from piano or guitar trio up to a full jazz band.

This is due to our unique arranging strategy which provides four instrumental parts, with complete solo changes, for each horn, except for trombone which has two parts to choose from. This allows for any combination of horns from a single soloist up to the entire ensemble. It is also possible to achieve the “Supersax” section sound by having the bari read the alto 1 part.

Another advantage to our approach is that it encourages the students to begin exploring basic arranging concepts. Who should play the melody? Should we play the harmony parts or just unison? Why was it written that way? There is ample opportunity for experimentation and rearranging with our charts.