Jazz Ensemble Music 2021-2022
Jazz Ensemble Music 2021-2022
Welcome Jazz Directors
All Excelcia Jazz charts come with free play-along practice tracks for practice of improvisation skills, that feature rhythm section accompaniment over the solo section changes.
Choose the Perfect Level for Your Ensemble
Grouped in five difficulty levels ranging from beginner to advanced, each Excelcia Jazz chart is carefully edited and has fully notated rhythm section parts, with chord changes where appropriate. Guitar chord frame charts specific to each piece is included in the more accessible grades in the series (Grades 1 and 1.5), showing both basic and advanced options for the Guitar player. Included are free play-along practice tracks for practice of improvisation skills, that feature rhythm section accompaniment over the solo section changes.
Jazz Odyssey Series
Grade 1
- Playable with a core instrumentation of Alto Sax 1 & 2, Tenor Sax 1, Trumpet 1 & 2, Trombone 1, Piano, Bass (cued in Piano) Drums
- Includes parts for a full ensemble (5/4/4/4)
- Optional parts included for Flute, Clarinet, Horn in F, Tuba
- Limited ranges in the winds
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Jazz Exploration Series
Grade 1.5
- Playable with a core instrumentation of Alto Sax 1 & 2, Tenor Sax 1, Trumpet 1 & 2, Trombone 1, Piano, Bass (cued in Piano) Drums
- Includes parts for a full ensemble (5/4/4/4)
- Optional parts included for Flute, Clarinet, Horn in F, Tuba
- Limited ranges in the winds
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Jazz Horizon Series
Grade 2 to 2.5
- Tenor Sax 2, Trumpet 4, Trombone 4 and Guitar are optional
- Includes parts for a full ensemble (5/4/4/4)
- Other optional parts include Flute, Clarinet, Horn in F, Tuba
- Range is expanded, but still carefully considered
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Jazz Voyage Series
Grade 3 to 3.5
- High school ensembles
- Full instrumentation (5/4/4/4)
- More independent rhythm section parts
- Longer solo sections
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Jazz Zenith Series
Grade 4 and up
- Advanced high school ensembles
- More freedom in overall concept
- More advanced harmonic structure
- Independent playing across sections
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Composers Who Inspire
This incredibly talented group of composers and arrangers represent a range of experience and musical style. These composers, many of whom are music educators, are particularly sensitive to and passionate about the needs and educational aspirations of young musicians, furthering the mission of Excelcia Music Publishing.
Jazz Odyssey Series - 2021-2022
Grade 1
- Playable with a core instrumentation of Alto Sax 1 & 2, Tenor Sax 1, Trumpet 1 & 2, Trombone 1, Piano, Bass (cued in Piano) Drums
- Includes parts for a full ensemble (5/4/4/4)
- Optional parts included for Flute, Clarinet, Horn in F, Tuba
- Limited ranges in the winds
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Clickable Music Guide
Composer's Name
• Learn about the composer
• Listen to and view the score
• Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
Baby Blues
Larry Clark has composed a great introduction to the blues that is filled with ensemble passages that work beautifully. One of the fundamentals of the blues is “call and response” and this chart demonstrates exactly what that is all about.
OJE2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Box of Rock
Here’s a very easy rock tune with a fun twist – it is built on ten measure phrases! Your band will sound great in a hurry with this one and will have a blast in the process. Punchy Brass licks and outstanding Saxophone lines are a feature of this engaging rock chart.
OJE2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
It's Got That Swing
The full ensemble is highlighted throughout this very easy swing chart. Plenty of tutti rhythms in the winds and straight forward, beautifully written rhythm section parts will help this piece come together with minimum rehearsal time.
OJE2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Jazz Exploration Series - 2021-2022
Grade 1.5
- Playable with a core instrumentation of Alto Sax 1 & 2, Tenor Sax 1, Trumpet 1 & 2, Trombone 1, Piano, Bass (cued in Piano) Drums
- Includes parts for a full ensemble (5/4/4/4)
- Optional parts included for Flute, Clarinet, Horn in F, Tuba
- Limited ranges in the winds
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Clickable Music Guide
Composer's Name
• Learn about the composer
• Listen to and view the score
• Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
Overdrive
Your young rhythm section will really be able to dig in with this funky, cut-time rock chart. It features bold melodies along with some compelling counter lines from the Saxes and Guitar. Driving rock is at the heart of this piece, but there are several passages with winds only that provide some subtle contrast.
EJE2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Signal Drop
(with Interference)
Long known for his compositions for advanced ensembles composer Steve Wiest has turned his creative genius an to an easier level to come up with music that is hip but is accessible to younger bands. Students and audiences will love the programmatic nature of this chart.
EJE2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Honk! Honk!
The biting dissonance of the sharp 9 chord is used as the centerpiece for this free spirited, funky rock chart. Cutting, angular lines and interesting counterpoint come together to create a unique piece in the repertoire for music at this level.
EJE2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Everyone is a winner with this new David Samuel blues with a bridge composition. It’s got everything you look for in an easy swing chart: straight ahead rhythms with clear articulations, bluesy melodic lines, well written solos with an opportunity to improvise and a cool shout chorus.
EJE2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
No, No, No...We Gotta Go
A funky rock chart with attitude, this piece is good-naturedly dedicated to that one person in the band who makes everyone late as their friends chant “we gotta go” in exasperation.
EJE2105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Jazz Horizon Series - 2021-2022
Grade 2 to 2.5
- Tenor Sax 2, Trumpet 4, Trombone 4 and Guitar are optional
- Includes parts for a full ensemble (5/4/4/4)
- Other optional parts include Flute, Clarinet, Horn in F, Tuba
- Range is expanded, but still carefully considered
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Clickable Music Guide
Composer's Name
• Learn about the composer
• Listen to and view the score
• Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
On the Cool Side
Looking for a reason to have the band wear shades? Here’s the answer! Nice little bass riff, splashy piano chords and finger snaps set up this chart perfectly. Great motivic development and some weaving lives add to the character of the piece. Have some fun with this one!
HJE2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
The Beach Life
This new Calypso chart from jazz musician and educator Kris Berg might be the happiest piece ever written for young jazz ensemble. Like the classic Sonny Rollins piece St. Thomas, this composition uses simply basic chords and rhythms, but the end result is a sparkling, bright change of pace chart.
HJE2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Shuffle and Deal
Here’s a great new chart from composer Jack Cooper that is sure to be a hit. Jack uses the #11 of a Bb chord as one of the main melody notes in the winds, so the music sounds distinctive and sophisticated.
HJE2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Groovin' Up the Halls
The holidays never had it so good! David Samuel has taken the classic carol Deck the Halls and turned it into a funky, rhythmic piece that will definitely be a crowd pleaser. There is a terrific winds only section after the short solo section.
HJE2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
(Can't You See?) It's Magic
A good introduction to the ubiquitous rock shuffle, this piece captures the fun and mystery of an illusionist’s sleight-of-hand close magic act. Every section is featured as the melodic lines are passed along over a funky groove.
HJE2105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Jazz Voyage Series - 2021-2022
Grade 3 to 3.5
- High school ensembles
- Full instrumentation (5/4/4/4)
- More independent rhythm section parts
- Longer solo sections
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Clickable Music Guide
Composer's Name
• Learn about the composer
• Listen to and view the score
• Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
At the End of the Day
This stunning music was written by Dallas based Rosana Eckert for her debut album in 2003. It is a light and sophisticated bossa with some gorgeous harmony. Arranged by the incomparable Michele Weir for vocal jazz ensemble, this version was adapted for instrumental ensemble by Blair Bielawski.
VJE2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Unlimited Miles
Kris Berg has taken hints from some Miles Davis classics and turned them into a brilliant, up-tempo swing composition. Your band will get to show off their dynamic flexibility with some wonderful soft ensemble sections that lead into a shout chorus with awesome Saxophone lines filling in.
VJE2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Mamacita Needs a Break
Driving latin rhythms, great polyphonic writing and interesting major 7 over minor chord harmony combine to make this chart unforgettable. There are lots of dynamic contrasts, so the full range of your group will be showcased.
VJE2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Big Band Bash
Composer Peter Sciaino has taken a vintage big band feel and turned it into a rousing, swinging extravaganza. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and some interesting development sections that will showcase your band to the fullest.
VJE2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Love Wins
In addition to the demonstration recording of this tune, be sure to check out the exuberant video by the composer, Bill Cantos, with his own band. He calls the music he wrote for this album “new standards for the new Millennium” and this funky cha-cha certainly warrants that description.
VJE2105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Jazz Zenith Series - 2021-2022
Grade 4 and up
- Advanced high school ensembles
- More freedom in overall concept
- More advanced harmonic structure
- Independent playing across sections
- Carefully notated rhythm section parts
Clickable Music Guide
Composer's Name
• Learn about the composer
• Listen to and view the score
• Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
Scarborough Fair
Written for the wonderful saxophonist Chris Vadala, arranger Kris Berg has fashioned a contemporary sounding chart in D minor that moves from a loose, open swing to a straight-ahead swing groove.
ZJE2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
It Is What It Ain't
Wow! This is a blues with serious attitude! It comes out of the gate roaring and composer Jamie Roth has included plenty of interesting details that make this a standout chart for high school bands. Great dynamic contrasts are built in so there are some moments that whisper and some that explode.
ZJE2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Use the Sykalator!
This is definitely not your grandmother’s rhythm changes! Leave it to the creative master, Steve Wiest, to come up with a totally fresh (and somewhat zany) take on the familiar rhythm changes form. This piece zips along at 236, so be prepared for a wild ride.
ZJE2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Vantage Point
Inspired by a trip through the mountains of Austria, “Vantage Point” is a breathtaking excursion in 3/4 with excellent lines and brilliant harmony.
ZJE2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Flexcel Jazz Combo Series
Grade 3
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Arranged by Blair Bielawski
A flexible Jazz combo arrangement of the popular holiday tune Go Tell It on the Mountain playable by as little as 3 players and rhythm section up to full Jazz ensemble or you can play it with the included play-long rhythm section track.
FJE2001.......................................................$45.00
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Arranged by Blair Bielawski
A flexible Jazz combo arrangement of the popular holiday tune Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in a swing style playable by as little as 3 players and rhythm section up to full Jazz ensemble or you can play it with the included play-long rhythm section track.
FJE2002.......................................................$45.00
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Arranged by Blair Bielawski
A flexible Jazz combo arrangement of the popular holiday tune We Wish You a Merry Christmas playable by as little as 3 players and rhythm section up to full Jazz ensemble or you can play it with the included play-long rhythm section track.
FJE2003.......................................................$45.00
Joy to the World
Arranged by Blair Bielawski
A flexible Jazz combo arrangement of the popular holiday tune Joy to the World in an easy swing style playable by as little as 3 players and rhythm section up to full Jazz ensemble or you can play it with the included play-long rhythm section track.
FJE2004.......................................................$45.00