Search Site

RSS / Atom

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.

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.

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).

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.

Boogie Lou

Grade 2      Rock      Composer:Paul Baker      Price:$40     

excerpt      
full version  

It’s time to boogaloo! Scooping saxes emulate the bluesy guitar licks while the brass section answers back with the horn section licks. Solos written for alto sax and trumpet, but the chart can be opened up for all who want to play. Trumpet range is to written G.

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#.

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.

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.