recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

Portrait of Louis Armstrong by Duke Ellington, Grade 5
Jazz at Lincoln Center Library is an exciting project under the artistic direction of Wynton Marsalis that is dedicated to the preservation of the jazz style and designed to honor the greats of jazz history. The Duke Ellington charts are all exact transcriptions as recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, and they are all medium to medium-advanced in difficulty.

Chops, Don’t Fail Me Now! by Domonic Spera, Grade 3
This timeless funk-jazz chart with will romp with the best of them. A wonderful great choice for mid-level bands that will get the house swingin’. Utilizing one of the favorite standard chord patterns in jazz.

Backrow Politics by Gordon Goodwin/arr. Peter Blair, Grade 2
A Trumpet section feature with a straight-eighth groove. This chart was adapted for young players from Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band chart and it sizzles, yet is accessible. Available written trumpet solos for all four parts and the 1st trumpet range to written G on top of the staff. An exciting chart for sure!

Gravy Waltz by Ray Brown/arr. Willis Maiden, Grade 5
This chart is a blast! It is one of the more popular charts from Maynard’s Birdland Dream Band. It is a high-energy chart which features baritone sax, as well as trumpet. You need a lot of horses in the trumpet section for this one, but it is well worth it. 5-4-4-4 (or use original instrumentation only)

Mister Nice Guy by Larry Neeck, Grade 2.5
A eloquent ballad written in tribute to Henry Mancini featuring a Trumpet or Flugelhorn solo. Perfect for developing bands, and excellent for contest or concert. Very highly recommended!

Trumpets Forever by Jeff Jarvis, Grade 3.5
Given the widespread popularity of Jeff Jarvis’ “Critical Mass,” “Honk,” and “Slingshot,” you’re going to love his latest funk original for advancing groups. A solid, catchy funk groove coupled with a rich chord progression gives it plenty of audience appeal. Solos are offered to 2nd and 4th Trumpets. Each set also includes a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson, and rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued.

In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
No one handles Ellington for younger ensembles better than Mark Taylor, and this well-crafted arrangement shows why. Although Mark uses a written trumpet solo on the bridge, the main theme is handled by the full ensemble playing primarily tutti rhythms. Included are solos for trumpet and tenor (written or ad lib) then a brief double time swing section featuring the entire ensemble. We think the Duke himself would have liked this one.

Free Range Trumpets by Howard Rowe, Grade 3
Trumpets love to shine, so bring them out front and turn them loose on this hot trumpet section feature. A cleverly written call and response introduces each soloist and the open solo section gives your superstars another opportunity to grab the spotlight. The audience will not be able to contain themselves as the chart builds to a powerhouse finish. Playable with reduced instrumentation. An important addition to your library!

Concerto for Cootie by Duke Ellington/arr. David Berger, Grade 3.5
Duke Ellington wrote ”Concerto for Cootie,” which when lyrics were added became “Do Nothing till You Hear from Me.”

About the Author:
Ben Huntoon is the Jazz Education Consultant at Stanton’s Sheet Music. He received bachelors and masters degrees in music from Capital University and The Ohio State University respectively. As a professional trumpeter, Ben is accomplished in a wide variety of genres and has performed throughout the Midwest on many stages over the past 30 years. He also teaches trumpet, coaches brass ensembles and has served on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.