First Chorus (Grades 1-2)
Straight Ahead (Grades 3-4)
Salsafied! (Grades 3-4)
Spotlight (Grades 4-5)
Extensions (Grades 5-6)
Mike Vax
Marching Band
Combos
FIRST CHORUS (Grades 1-2)
(Grade Level 1-2) As the name implies, this series contains music for middle school bands or less mature high school bands. Brass ranges stay on the staff with the maximum trumpet range to written G and the lowest trombone parts written to low F. The lead trombone parts reach as high as an F. Each soloist’s part contains a written solo as well as chord symbols. Improvisation is always encouraged, but there is a musical line that can be played as well. There are no doubles for the saxes, but extra woodwind (or brass or percussion) parts may be requested to meet your ensemble’s instrumentation.
All bass and piano parts are written out and include chord symbols, and the drum parts are notated enough to demonstrate the desired rhythmic feels and appropriate ensemble figures. Guitar parts contain written notes as well as rhythmic slashes for comping.
Basie's Beat
Grade 2 Swing Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
In the Basie/Nestico tradition, this fun swing chart shows off an ensemble’s dynamic range as well as the use of cup mutes in the trumpet section. Solos for trumpet and tenor sax. A striking feature of this chart is its pianissimo “shout” chorus which builds through 16 bars to a sax soli bridge and then returns to the main theme to finish out the chart with the traditional Basie piano ending. Trumpet range to written G, and there are several of them.
Bossa Braziliana
Grade 2 Latin Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
A smooth bossa nova based on the chord changes to Antonio Carlos Jobim’s most famous tune about a certain young lady who goes walking on the beach. Solos for alto sax and trumpet. Trumpet range is to written F#.
Ebony Rain - Alto Sax Feature
Grade 2 Ballad Composer:Skiles/Arr. Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
A perfect “My First Solo Feature” chart, this rock ballad opens with lush ensemble harmonies before the soloist enters with the hauntingly beautiful melody. The ensemble soon wraps itself in warm supportive colors before launching the soloist into the short improvisational section. A written solo is provided, along with the chord changes. After a brief return to the melody, the chart moves on to the Coda section where there is space for a brief solo cadenza – a written one is provided – before the final resolution chord. Trumpet range is to a written G. Flugelhorns are preferred, but trumpets are fine, too.
Ebony Rain - Tenor Sax Feature
Grade 2 Ballad Composer:Skiles/Arr. Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
This is essentially the same chart as the Alto Sax Feature, however some of the parts have been rearranged slightly to accommodate the change in soloists. For this version, the melody, solo, and solo cadenza have been lowered an octave to better fit the range of the instrument.
Ebony Rain - Trombone Feature
Grade 2 Ballad Composer:Skiles/Arr. Baker Price:
excerpt
full version
This is essentially the same chart as the Alto Sax Feature, however some of the parts have been rearranged slightly to accommodate the change in soloists. For this version, the melody, solo, and solo cadenza have been lowered an octave to better fit the range of the instrument.
Ebony Rain - Trumpet Feature
Grade 2 Ballad Composer:Skiles/Arr. Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
This is essentially the same chart as the Alto Sax Feature, however some of the parts have been rearranged slightly to accommodate the change in soloists.
Lake Geneva Dawn
Grade 2 Latin Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
A smooth bossa nova featuring the ensemble in a rich harmonic landscape and interesting countermelodies. Solos for trombone and piano or guitar. Trumpet range is to written F#.
Not So Fast
Grade 2 Swing Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
This chart takes it easy on the tempo, but it still swings hard. Harkening back to the era of Quincy Jones’ association with the Count Basie Orchestra, this chart opens with a relaxed piano melody which is soon taken up by the full bodied sax section. A powerful shout chorus follows the trumpet, tenor sax, and alto sax soloists before the piano once again recaps the melody. But, not so fast! The ensemble returns to bring the chart to a strong finish. Trumpet range is written G on top of the staff.
Roll with the Punches
Grade 2 Swing Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
Solidly in the Basie/Nestico tradition, this swing chart exemplifies the title’s instructions – stay positive and Roll with the Punches. Written solos are provided for trombone (opt. trpt) and alto sax. Every section gets a chance to shine in the full shout section which leads to the final ending “punch”. Trumpet range is to written G. Trombone range is to written F.
Samba Azul
Grade 2 Latin Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
Translated “Blue Samba”, this chart is a take-off on the traditional 12 bar blues changes with a distinctly smooth South American flavor. Solos for alto sax and trumpet.
Slightly Ahead of Its Time - Alto Sax Feature
Grade 2 Latin Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
A smooth contemporary latin feature for alto sax with a sultry melody and lush accompaniment. A written solo is provided, but the chord changes for the solo fit into the concert Bb scale so improvisation is encouraged. This is just a really fun chart for the soloist, ensemble, and audience alike.
Slightly Ahead of Its Time - Tenor Sax Feature
Grade 2 Latin Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
Same as the alto sax feature, but reorchestrated to feature the tenor sax instead.
Slightly Ahead of Its Time - Trumpet Feature
Grade 2 Latin Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
Same as the alto sax feature, but reorchestrated to feature the trumpet instead.
Steppin' Up
Grade 2 Swing Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
In the tradition of Neal Hefti’s classic “L’il Darlin’”, although slightly faster in tempo, Steppin’ Up focuses on one of the fundamental elements of the swing style – how to swing quarter notes to get that cool relaxed style that just feels so right. (Swing quarter notes? – Yes they can!). Lots of section spotlights to highlight each group along with short written (or improvised) solos for alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, and piano or guitar. Trumpet range is to written F on top of the staff.
The Royal Treatment
Grade 2 Swing Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
An elegant swinging tribute to the longtime Basie lead alto player Marshall Royal, “The Royal Treatment” provides ample opportunities to showcase the saxophone section. Written solos are provided for trumpet, alto sax, trombone, and tenor sax. Trumpet range is to written G on top of the staff.
Told You Twice
Grade 2 Swing Composer:Paul Baker Price:$40
excerpt
full version
Reminiscent of the Bill Holman tune “Told You So”, this medium swing tune features some fun interplay between the brass and saxes as well as the occasional stop-time figure. Plenty of attitude going on here. Solo for tenor sax and a shout section for the ensemble. Trumpet range is to written F (optional G on last note).