Sugarloaf Samba
for Jazz Band (Medium Easy)
“Sugarloaf Samba” is a piece written in the samba/bossa nova style that is meant to teach younger students the style. Ranges are appropriate for advanced middle school or early high school students, and all rhythm section parts are notated with chord changes. The piece features melody opportunities for all wind players, an extended sax soli, and a solo section that can be adapted and opened up for any member of the band. An overall enjoyable piece for both young and experienced ensembles!
for Jazz Band (Medium Easy)
“Sugarloaf Samba” is a piece written in the samba/bossa nova style that is meant to teach younger students the style. Ranges are appropriate for advanced middle school or early high school students, and all rhythm section parts are notated with chord changes. The piece features melody opportunities for all wind players, an extended sax soli, and a solo section that can be adapted and opened up for any member of the band. An overall enjoyable piece for both young and experienced ensembles!
Blues for P.A.W.S.
for Jazz Band (Medium)
"Blues for P.A.W.S." is a fun 12-bar blues in F written for a high school or advanced middle school-level jazz band. Originally composed as a simple melody for a middle school jazz band club that met during their "P.A.W.S. Period" (advisory period) during the school day, the piece features soli work in the saxes, an open solo section for any member of the band to blow over, many exciting dynamic contrasts, and a screamin' shout chorus.
for Jazz Band (Medium)
"Blues for P.A.W.S." is a fun 12-bar blues in F written for a high school or advanced middle school-level jazz band. Originally composed as a simple melody for a middle school jazz band club that met during their "P.A.W.S. Period" (advisory period) during the school day, the piece features soli work in the saxes, an open solo section for any member of the band to blow over, many exciting dynamic contrasts, and a screamin' shout chorus.
New recording coming soon!
Scuttlebutt
for Jazz Band (Medium Advanced)
“Scuttlebutt” was originally written in 2017 for my original jazz project Night Howler. The piece is written in the style of a New Orleans “street-beat”, also referred to as “second line”. To understand this style, listen to New Orleans-based brass bands. The groove is very reliant on the drums and bass. Execute your notes and rhythms precisely, but don’t be afraid to play with some funky swagger by adding tasteful scoops and glisses!
for Jazz Band (Medium Advanced)
“Scuttlebutt” was originally written in 2017 for my original jazz project Night Howler. The piece is written in the style of a New Orleans “street-beat”, also referred to as “second line”. To understand this style, listen to New Orleans-based brass bands. The groove is very reliant on the drums and bass. Execute your notes and rhythms precisely, but don’t be afraid to play with some funky swagger by adding tasteful scoops and glisses!
The Screwball
for Jazz Band (Advanced)
"The Screwball" is a fast and, as the name implies, quirky swing piece written for a professional-level jazz band. The piece begins with a tricky bass line of unpredictable leaps and rhythms played in the piano, bass, bari sax, and bass trombone, followed by the main melody, stated by the lead alto, lead trombone, and second trumpet. The solo section is written for lead alto, but can be played by any member of the band. It is a challenging piece for the rhythm section, but extremely enjoyable for both players and audiences alike!
for Jazz Band (Advanced)
"The Screwball" is a fast and, as the name implies, quirky swing piece written for a professional-level jazz band. The piece begins with a tricky bass line of unpredictable leaps and rhythms played in the piano, bass, bari sax, and bass trombone, followed by the main melody, stated by the lead alto, lead trombone, and second trumpet. The solo section is written for lead alto, but can be played by any member of the band. It is a challenging piece for the rhythm section, but extremely enjoyable for both players and audiences alike!
