JAZZ BAND CHARTS 1989 – 1992
Suitable level for junior high and high school ensembles. All pieces were written while Derek himself was in high school, between grades 9 and 12. They were completely edited and revised in 1999. Please email for more information.
INSTRUMENTATION (unless noted)
- 2 Alto Saxophones
- 2 Tenor Saxophones
- 1 Bari Saxophone
- 4 or 5 Trumpets
- 4 or 5 Trombones
- 1 Guitar
- 1 Piano
- 1 Bass
- 1 Drum set
A Thing Like You
A slow Swing featuring the second trumpet leads into a driving cut-time melody. Some tricky time changes from swing to straight and cut time to normal.
Coming Home
The first alto sax is the feature player in this slow rock ballad. A solo section in the middle allows everyone a chance to solo. Easier ranges for younger players.
Gate 104 - L.A.
A funky piece written while in Los Angeles at a Berklee College summer institute.
Harwins Drive - For Harry
Named after a horse, this big band piece will challenge your ensemble. Funky rhythms lead into the solo section followed by a tutti ensemble and then a small tenor sax solo. Several drum breaks give lots of opportunity for your percussionists. Ample room for solos, but also a straight-ahead chart for the entire ensemble.
Lost Horizons
A medium Samba featuring the entire saxophone section.
Lost in the City
A funky shuffle with plenty of room for solos in the middle. A contrapuntal winds only section after the solos will keep them on their toes!
Psycho
This eerie jazz band piece breaks into a funky solo for the second trumpet, later followed by a solo section for anyone. Challenging key signature in the opening but players only have to learn a few notes. A good introduction to keys they may have not encountered yet.
Rupert Goes to School
This fun piece features the trombone section. Opens with a fast swing five-part soli saxophone line that then breaks into the trombones carrying the melody. Two solo sections give lots of opportunities.
Samba de Saltspring
This jazz band version of the main theme from a musical performed at a camp in Saltspring Island, B.C. is a fun piece for all the players. The tenor opens accompanied by the trombones followed by the main theme and then lots of room for solos. After this a contrapuntal band only section leads into a percussion break and recap of the opening.
What?
And who said disco was dead? This disco chart will have your students dancing like John Travolta!
A Call in the Wild
(Small Combo Chart – Trmp, Sax, Rhythm section)
A jazz fusion chart reminiscent of the Yellowjackets
