Repertoire Sets Submitted for CMEA Consideration
When invited to guest conduct regional and honors ensembles, I am typically asked to submit multiple, contrasting program options for consideration. These proposed sets are designed to balance stylistic breadth, technical feasibility, and musical substance—always with the understanding that rehearsal time is limited and that the ensemble is drawn from a wide range of schools and instructional contexts.
What follows are two complete sets I submitted to CMEA for review. Each set was conceived as a coherent musical arc rather than a collection of unrelated charts, combining swing, groove-based music, and stylistic contrast while remaining level-appropriate for a regional high school ensemble. Ultimately, Set 1 was selected.
Set 1: (Selected)
“Nzembo na Mvula Zamba” — Fred Sturm (Heritage Jazz Works)
“Bags’ Groove” — Milt Jackson, arr. Mark Taylor (Hal Leonard Young Jazz Ensemble)
“Here, There & Everywhere” — Lennon/McCartney, arr. Mark Taylor (Hal Leonard)
“Afro Blue” — arr. Mike Sweeney (Hal Leonard)
This set emphasizes groove, melodic clarity, and ensemble listening. Sturm’s Nzembo na Mvula Zamba establishes a strong rhythmic and cultural foundation, while Bags’ Groove offers students an accessible but authentic blues vehicle. The Beatles arrangement provides contrast in texture and tone, and Afro Blue closes the set with modal harmony and a deeper exploration of time feel.
Set 2
“Zach Attack” — Fred Sturm
“Blues at the Gate” — Mike Tomaro
“It Only Happens Every Time” — Thad Jones, orchestrated by Mike Carubia
“Uptown Stomp” — Larry Neeck
The second set leans more heavily toward swing and big band tradition, with Carubia’s sensitive orchestration of Thad Jones serving as a stylistic anchor. This program places greater emphasis on articulation, phrasing, and section cohesion, while still offering moments of stylistic variety.