JAZZ BAND CHARTS for FREE !!
I’m pleased to offer these jazz band charts to you for free.
I wrote them over the last three-plus decades while teaching at Millikin University. The charts below are categorized into three groups:
1.Big Band Originals for college or advanced high school ensembles
2.Big Band Charts for younger bands (middle school and high school)
3.Big Band Arrangements of jazz standards for advanced high school and college level ensembles
(Also check out the jazz band warmups at the very bottom.)
Feel free to download any or all of these charts. Enjoy!
I wrote them over the last three-plus decades while teaching at Millikin University. The charts below are categorized into three groups:
1.Big Band Originals for college or advanced high school ensembles
2.Big Band Charts for younger bands (middle school and high school)
3.Big Band Arrangements of jazz standards for advanced high school and college level ensembles
(Also check out the jazz band warmups at the very bottom.)
Feel free to download any or all of these charts. Enjoy!
1. Originals for Advanced Ensembles
You will find that many of these originals do not fit the mold of much of the music you buy from publishing companies. My writing does not always follow the formulaic forms and orchestration techniques so ubiquitous in traditional big band arranging. I think you will find these charts creative and fresh, accessible to musicians and listeners alike.
Third Shot (2021)
This is the third of my "Covid Trilogy". The other two were Antibodies and Vista de Ventana (Window View) which you can find below.
This samba chart features a trio of trumpet, alto, and tenor with solo duties in the trumpet and alto parts. This is definitely for college bands, as the trio parts are a bit tricky (but worth the effort! (Sorry, only a computer playback sound file. Use your imagination!!) Enjoy!
This is the third of my "Covid Trilogy". The other two were Antibodies and Vista de Ventana (Window View) which you can find below.
This samba chart features a trio of trumpet, alto, and tenor with solo duties in the trumpet and alto parts. This is definitely for college bands, as the trio parts are a bit tricky (but worth the effort! (Sorry, only a computer playback sound file. Use your imagination!!) Enjoy!
| third_shot__score_-pdf.pdf |
| third_shot_parts_upload.pdf |
| third_shot__sound_file.mp3 |
The Mad Hatter (2021)
Here is a new chart that is a burner. It features piano and tenor (though I have provided solo sheets so anyone can do solo duty). I guarantee you have nothing like this in your library. Try it and let me know what you think. It is for advanced college bands only. Lead trumpet ventures up to an optional high F!
Here is a new chart that is a burner. It features piano and tenor (though I have provided solo sheets so anyone can do solo duty). I guarantee you have nothing like this in your library. Try it and let me know what you think. It is for advanced college bands only. Lead trumpet ventures up to an optional high F!
| mad_hatr_-_score.pdf |
| mad_hatr_pdf_parts_download.pdf |
Quantum Leap (2021)
This brand new chart is a samba for advanced college bands only. Based on a single synthetic scale, Quantum Leap will present a refreshing challenge for your group. Solos for trumpet, guitar and drums. Lead trumpet ventures up to high F!
This brand new chart is a samba for advanced college bands only. Based on a single synthetic scale, Quantum Leap will present a refreshing challenge for your group. Solos for trumpet, guitar and drums. Lead trumpet ventures up to high F!
| quantum_leap_score.pdf |
| quantum_lp_parts.pdf |
Click below to hear the Finale playback. If your band gets a good recording, send it my way and I'll post it here!
Antibodies (2020)
This is a chart I just recently completed for Dr. Perry Rask and the Millikin Jazz Band. Antibodies is an up-tempo swing chart that is stylistically very forward-looking with some interesting bi-chordal voicings. Solos for Tenor sax, guitar, and drums. Lead trumpet goes up to high D. (College or advanced H.S. level)
This is a chart I just recently completed for Dr. Perry Rask and the Millikin Jazz Band. Antibodies is an up-tempo swing chart that is stylistically very forward-looking with some interesting bi-chordal voicings. Solos for Tenor sax, guitar, and drums. Lead trumpet goes up to high D. (College or advanced H.S. level)
| antibodies_big_band_score.pdf |
| antibodies_prts.pdf |
Click below...Sorry, only a finale computer playback file is available at the moment. Click below...
The Last Bastion (2013)
If you want something really different, this is the chart for you. It has opportunities for some special effects during an aleatoric section. Solos for alto sax and piano (or guitar). Check out the sound file and see if you have the courage to program this one. I dare you! (Definitely collegiate level)
If you want something really different, this is the chart for you. It has opportunities for some special effects during an aleatoric section. Solos for alto sax and piano (or guitar). Check out the sound file and see if you have the courage to program this one. I dare you! (Definitely collegiate level)
| last_bastion_score.pdf |
| the_last_bastion_-_parts.pdf |
Vista de Ventana (2020).
A brand new chart. Solos for Alto or Tenor, and Piano or guitar. In the middle of the chart you’ll dig an interesting contrapuntal section with overlapping independent lines from each horn section. Lead trumpet goes to a high D. (Advanced H.S. and college level)
A brand new chart. Solos for Alto or Tenor, and Piano or guitar. In the middle of the chart you’ll dig an interesting contrapuntal section with overlapping independent lines from each horn section. Lead trumpet goes to a high D. (Advanced H.S. and college level)
| vista_de_ventana_score.pdf |
| v_de_v_parts.pdf |
Sorry, only a finale computer playback file is available at the moment. Click below...
Altered Realities (2019)
This straight-8th groove chart was premiered in my final concert with the Millikin Jazz Band before I retired. It features tenor sax and guitar, although the chord changes are quite simple, so you could give the guitar solo to most anybody in the band. Lead trumpet goes to high D. (Advanced H.S. or college level)
This straight-8th groove chart was premiered in my final concert with the Millikin Jazz Band before I retired. It features tenor sax and guitar, although the chord changes are quite simple, so you could give the guitar solo to most anybody in the band. Lead trumpet goes to high D. (Advanced H.S. or college level)
| alternate_realities_score.pdf |
| alternate_realities-_parts.pdf |
As Pharez Says (2015)
If you need a chart for a guest trumpet soloist, this one’s for you. Nothing fancy here––just a straight-ahead functional blues chart that is easy to learn and effective as a solo feature. Written for Pharez Whitted in 2015, it is a straight-ahead swing chart that can be opened up to feature other members of your band. Lead trumpet part goes up to high D. (H.S. and college level)
If you need a chart for a guest trumpet soloist, this one’s for you. Nothing fancy here––just a straight-ahead functional blues chart that is easy to learn and effective as a solo feature. Written for Pharez Whitted in 2015, it is a straight-ahead swing chart that can be opened up to feature other members of your band. Lead trumpet part goes up to high D. (H.S. and college level)
| as_pharez_says_-_score.pdf |
| as_pharez_says_-_parts.pdf |
The following four charts are the only ones you cannot download for free. Sorry. But they are available from www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
You can view the score and listen to the sound files here to review them. Then if you like them, you can download the parts from www.pdfjazzmusic.com. They’re cheap… $19.95 per chart.
Drastic Measures (2014)
Composed for the band’s evening appearance at the 2015 Elmhurst Jazz Festival, this one has solos for alto sax and guitar and utilizes some modern compositional techniques that I think you will really like. High E’s in lead trumpet part. The clinicians at the festival had this to say about this chart…
Bobby Shew: “Beautiful chart, nice writing!”
Andy Martin: “Interesting chart. Nice chart!”
Gary Smulyan: “Beautiful arrangement and tune.”
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
Composed for the band’s evening appearance at the 2015 Elmhurst Jazz Festival, this one has solos for alto sax and guitar and utilizes some modern compositional techniques that I think you will really like. High E’s in lead trumpet part. The clinicians at the festival had this to say about this chart…
Bobby Shew: “Beautiful chart, nice writing!”
Andy Martin: “Interesting chart. Nice chart!”
Gary Smulyan: “Beautiful arrangement and tune.”
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
| drastic_measures_score_-_score.pdf |
The Wizard (2015)
This is an interesting and dramatic chart written for Adam Wissman, a talented guitarist who was in my band for a time. Give it a listen. I think you’ll really like this one. This was another one of my charts written especially for our performance at the Elmhurst Jazz Fest. Lead trumpet part goes to high D.
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
This is an interesting and dramatic chart written for Adam Wissman, a talented guitarist who was in my band for a time. Give it a listen. I think you’ll really like this one. This was another one of my charts written especially for our performance at the Elmhurst Jazz Fest. Lead trumpet part goes to high D.
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
| wizard_copy_-_score.pdf |
Serpent’s Nest (2012)
This burner features drums and alto sax. This chart was one of my first charts that embraced my approach with unconventional compositional techniques and forms. That doesn’t mean it is unapproachable for the listener or musician. It was well-received at its premier that year at Elmhurst. Lead trumpet goes up to Eb.
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
This burner features drums and alto sax. This chart was one of my first charts that embraced my approach with unconventional compositional techniques and forms. That doesn’t mean it is unapproachable for the listener or musician. It was well-received at its premier that year at Elmhurst. Lead trumpet goes up to Eb.
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
| serpents_nest_score_-_score.pdf |
Time Zone (2015)
This is a straight-ahead minor blues chart written in the vein of Don Menza’s “Time Check”. Solos for alto sax, piano, and/or guitar. This chart exhibits a more conventional writing style than some of these other charts. It’s a great opener or closer. Lead trumpet to high F.
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
This is a straight-ahead minor blues chart written in the vein of Don Menza’s “Time Check”. Solos for alto sax, piano, and/or guitar. This chart exhibits a more conventional writing style than some of these other charts. It’s a great opener or closer. Lead trumpet to high F.
You can download the sound file and score to give it a listen, but the parts are available only at www.pdfjazzmusic.com.
| time_zone_score_-_score.pdf |
2. Charts for Younger Bands
(middle school and young high school)
Note: Many of these sound files are a bit rough. So if you get a good recording of your group performing any of these, I'd be happy to replace my sound file with yours. And I'd credit your group of course!
Libertyville
A fun chart which alternates between swing and funk. The chord changes are easy, requiring knowledge of only a few scales.
A fun chart which alternates between swing and funk. The chord changes are easy, requiring knowledge of only a few scales.
| libertyville_-score.pdf |
| libertyville-_parts.pdf |
Road Trip
This one was written for the Roosevelt Middle School Jazz Band for their performance at the Illinois Music Education Convention. Written in a straight 16th groove, the chart has an open section for solos with easy chord changes. (for advanced middle school bands or intermediate high school bands)
This one was written for the Roosevelt Middle School Jazz Band for their performance at the Illinois Music Education Convention. Written in a straight 16th groove, the chart has an open section for solos with easy chord changes. (for advanced middle school bands or intermediate high school bands)
| road_trip_score.pdf |
| road_trip-_parts.pdf |
Felonious Thelonious
Here’s a hard-swinging blues chart inspired by the style of Thelonious Monk. The odd little “Monkish” melody is followed by a solo section comprised primarily of dominant chord structures. Improvising on the F concert blues scale will work for the entire solo section. (High School level)
Here’s a hard-swinging blues chart inspired by the style of Thelonious Monk. The odd little “Monkish” melody is followed by a solo section comprised primarily of dominant chord structures. Improvising on the F concert blues scale will work for the entire solo section. (High School level)
| felonious_thelonious-_score.pdf |
| felonious_thelonious-_parts.pdf |
Word on the Street
Here is an interesting chart with a rather quirky melodic line and a street beat drum groove. The open solo section can accommodate anyone in the band, since it requires the knowledge of just a single dorian mode. (Middle school level)
Here is an interesting chart with a rather quirky melodic line and a street beat drum groove. The open solo section can accommodate anyone in the band, since it requires the knowledge of just a single dorian mode. (Middle school level)
| word_on_the_street-_score.pdf |
| word_on_the_street-_parts.pdf |
Whazup
Here is a tune based upon harmonies built on 4ths and melodies that incorporate a lot of fourth intervals. Overall, a very modern sounding modal chart. The solo section is open for anybody and requires only three scales. A great vehicle for improvising on dorian modes. (High School level)
Here is a tune based upon harmonies built on 4ths and melodies that incorporate a lot of fourth intervals. Overall, a very modern sounding modal chart. The solo section is open for anybody and requires only three scales. A great vehicle for improvising on dorian modes. (High School level)
| whazup_score-_score.pdf |
| whazup_parts.pdf |
Sweet Potatoes
Another blues chart with a fun melody, this is based on the F blues that will be a great vehicle for blues improvisation for your middle school or intermediate high school group.
Another blues chart with a fun melody, this is based on the F blues that will be a great vehicle for blues improvisation for your middle school or intermediate high school group.
| sweet_potatoes-_score.pdf |
| sweet_potatoes-_parts.pdf |
Jammin’ in Rm. 110
Another swingin’ blues chart that is suitable for young bands. This one is titled after the room where I used to conduct my summer jazz camp for middle school students. I offered the camp for over ten years and each year I wrote a new chart to be premiered at the end-of-camp concert. Most of these young band charts were written for these camp concerts.
Another swingin’ blues chart that is suitable for young bands. This one is titled after the room where I used to conduct my summer jazz camp for middle school students. I offered the camp for over ten years and each year I wrote a new chart to be premiered at the end-of-camp concert. Most of these young band charts were written for these camp concerts.
| jammin_in_rm._110-_score.pdf |
| jammin_in_rm._110_parts_.pdf |
Casa San Pablo
Not much to this chart but a really nice Latin melody and some nice changes for a mature soloist. This is a great chart to let your drummer explore Latin grooves.
Not much to this chart but a really nice Latin melody and some nice changes for a mature soloist. This is a great chart to let your drummer explore Latin grooves.
| casa_san_pablo-_score_...pdf |
| casa_san_pablo-_parts.pdf |
Blues on the Hill
Written in 1998 for the Johns Hill Middle School Jazz Band in Decatur, this blues chart is an easy-swinging chart. (Middle school level)
Written in 1998 for the Johns Hill Middle School Jazz Band in Decatur, this blues chart is an easy-swinging chart. (Middle school level)
| blues_on_the_hill_score.pdf |
| blues_on_the_hill--_parts.pdf |
Throwin’ Down
Here’s a funky little chart written in sort of a 60’s Jazz Rock groove. An open section is available for any of the students to play over a Bb blues.
Here’s a funky little chart written in sort of a 60’s Jazz Rock groove. An open section is available for any of the students to play over a Bb blues.
| throwin_down-_score.pdf |
| throwin_down-_parts.pdf |
3. Arrangements
(advanced high school and college level)
(advanced high school and college level)
You and the Night and the Music
You'll want to check this one out. It is an advanced chart, though the lead trumpet only goes to high D. The sound file isn't of the best recording quality, but it will give you a good idea.
You'll want to check this one out. It is an advanced chart, though the lead trumpet only goes to high D. The sound file isn't of the best recording quality, but it will give you a good idea.
| you_and_the_night_-_score_-_score.pdf |
| you_and_the_night_parts_upload.pdf |
The Balance
A college-level arrangement of Dave Holland's composition. It features soprano sax and piano, plus the entire sax section on a Chris Potter solo transcription. This is a difficult chart but well worth the effort. Listen to the sound file below of the Millikin Jazz Band (all undergrads) playing the chart. They loved the challenge and your band will too.
A college-level arrangement of Dave Holland's composition. It features soprano sax and piano, plus the entire sax section on a Chris Potter solo transcription. This is a difficult chart but well worth the effort. Listen to the sound file below of the Millikin Jazz Band (all undergrads) playing the chart. They loved the challenge and your band will too.
| the_balance-_score.pdf |
| the_balance_parts.pdf |
Prime Directive
Here is one of my favorite Dave Holland tunes arranged for jazz band. Listen to the sound file, and I think you'll want to do this with your band. This is the Millikin Jazz Band performing here. There is a trumpet solo on this recording that can be handed off to anyone in the band, since it is on a single minor chord. Lead trumpet goes to high E.
Here is one of my favorite Dave Holland tunes arranged for jazz band. Listen to the sound file, and I think you'll want to do this with your band. This is the Millikin Jazz Band performing here. There is a trumpet solo on this recording that can be handed off to anyone in the band, since it is on a single minor chord. Lead trumpet goes to high E.
| prime_directive-_score.pdf |
| prime_directive-_parts.pdf |
Waltz for Debby - Vocal chart
An arrangement of the Bill Evans classic, I think this is one of the best charts I have ever written. Brass ranges are very modest, but the chart has some subtleties that will require a mature band. Trumpet parts are all intended for flugelhorns but will work fine with trumpets. Dig the sound file. This is the Millikin Jazz Band with Alex Manfredo featured on vocal.
An arrangement of the Bill Evans classic, I think this is one of the best charts I have ever written. Brass ranges are very modest, but the chart has some subtleties that will require a mature band. Trumpet parts are all intended for flugelhorns but will work fine with trumpets. Dig the sound file. This is the Millikin Jazz Band with Alex Manfredo featured on vocal.
| waltz_for_debby-_score.pdf |
| waltz_for_debby_parts_.pdf |
Solar
An interesting arrangement of the great Miles tune. Solos for piano and tenor sax. There is also some solo space for drums. The lead trumpet part goes up to an E. This sound file is not the best recording of this chart, but it will give you an idea of its complexity.
An interesting arrangement of the great Miles tune. Solos for piano and tenor sax. There is also some solo space for drums. The lead trumpet part goes up to an E. This sound file is not the best recording of this chart, but it will give you an idea of its complexity.
| solar-_score.pdf |
| solar-_parts.pdf |
Naima - guitar or tenor feature
A beautiful ballad arrangement of John Coltrane’s tune, with solo parts for either guitar or tenor sax. Lead trumpet goes to a high D. No live recording of this-- only a Finale playback sound file. I apologize that I can offer only a Finale playback sound file here.
A beautiful ballad arrangement of John Coltrane’s tune, with solo parts for either guitar or tenor sax. Lead trumpet goes to a high D. No live recording of this-- only a Finale playback sound file. I apologize that I can offer only a Finale playback sound file here.
| naima_score_.pdf |
| naima-_parts.pdf |
Funny Valentine – Vocal chart
This arrangement of this great standard is a Latin version featuring vocalist and trumpet soloist. This is straight ahead and fairly easy to learn. There is an interesting soli in the middle of the chart for voice, trumpet, and bass all in unison. This soli is based on a Chet Baker solo. You’ll like this chart; easy for the band to learn and fun to play. Lead trumpet goes to high D. This Finale playback sound file doesn't really do this nice chart justice.
This arrangement of this great standard is a Latin version featuring vocalist and trumpet soloist. This is straight ahead and fairly easy to learn. There is an interesting soli in the middle of the chart for voice, trumpet, and bass all in unison. This soli is based on a Chet Baker solo. You’ll like this chart; easy for the band to learn and fun to play. Lead trumpet goes to high D. This Finale playback sound file doesn't really do this nice chart justice.
| funny_valentine_score.pdf |
| my_funny_valentine-_parts.pdf |
Joshua
Another tune popularized by Miles. Solos for alto sax and guitar. Lead trumpet goes to high E at the end. You’ll enjoy some of the interesting twists and turns in this chart.
Another tune popularized by Miles. Solos for alto sax and guitar. Lead trumpet goes to high E at the end. You’ll enjoy some of the interesting twists and turns in this chart.
| joshua_-_score.pdf |
| joshua-_parts.pdf |
The Days of Wine and Roses - Trumpet feature
I've always loved this tune by Henry Mancini. I did this arrangement for solo trumpet to be used when I performed with high school or college bands. It's a nice easy-swingin' arrangement with an unison soli section in the middle.
| days_of_wine_and_roses-_score.pdf |
| days_of_wine_and_roses-_parts.pdf |
Jazz Band Warmups
And finally, here are some warmups for your band. These can be used for groups of all ages.
And finally, here are some warmups for your band. These can be used for groups of all ages.
| jazz_band_warmups_score.pdf |
| warmups_parts.pdf |