The Yellow Board

Middle School Jazz band start up

Posted by Trombone on 6/4/2022, 10:04 am

What are some good resources to start up a jazz band? Some good beginner songs for a fall concert, Christmas concert, and spring? I have been looking at jwpepper and other places as well. Thank you!!!

Re: Middle School Jazz band start up

Posted by Houston on 6/6/2022, 11:42 am, in reply to "Middle School Jazz band start up"

There are a couple of great method books out there for Jazz Ensemble, (just like book 1 for beginner band), but they have some full selections in them that work great to get started. Lots of good quality grade 1 literature out there for Winter and even better grade 2/3 literature out there for the Spring.

Re: Middle School Jazz band start up

Posted by CCC Houston on 6/5/2022, 8:38 am, in reply to "Middle School Jazz band start up"

Look at the Alfred Publishing "First Year Charts" and "Jazz Beginning Series".

I start up my jazz band before the winter concert.
Look at The Herald Angel Swing and Doctor No-el. They work up quick and kids love them.

Fall or spring look at charts like Ants in the Pants and Burritos to Go. There are many others too that are great for a young jazz band.

I also like that they include parts for other non traditional jazz instrumentations. I personally let everyone join jazz band at the middle school level no matter what instrument they play.

Re: Middle School Jazz band start up

Posted by OP on 6/5/2022, 10:21 am, in reply to "Re: Middle School Jazz band start up"

CCC Houston! Thank you!!! I did look at those and wrote them down before you responded. Thank you for your help!!!

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