The following repertoire was selected for the 2018 Massachusetts Music Educators Association Eastern District Junior Jazz Band, an ensemble comprised of students in grades 7–9.
When programming for a regional honor group, I aim to balance musical substance with realistic rehearsal constraints. While these ensembles are made up of strong, motivated players, limited rehearsal time places a premium on clarity of form, idiomatic writing, and achievable technical demands.
Publisher difficulty ratings can be inconsistent, so my primary considerations were range, ensemble coordination, stylistic clarity, and opportunities for musical growth. Most of the selections below fall in the medium-easy category. Two exceptions—Lazy Day and Samba Norte—are labeled “easy,” though Samba Norte arguably belongs closer to medium-easy, and Lazy Day presents the subtle but significant challenge of sustaining time, style, and tone at a slow swing tempo.
Program Selections:
- The Big Band Theory
by Larry Neeck - Lazy Day
by Tim Fisher - Samba Norte
by Dean Sorenson - Angel
arr. by Les Sabina
This well-balanced set was my first choice among several submitted options and was ultimately approved.
Additional Repertoire Considered:
Fred Sturm wrote several excellent charts at the Grade 2 level that balance accessibility with strong musical content. Any of the following would have worked well in this context:
- Pitch Perfect
- Zach Attack
- Jump Down Turn Around
- Nzembo Na Mvula Zamba (Song of the Rainforest)
Another strong straight-ahead swing option at this level is:
- 88 Ave. B – Dan Torosian
This program reflects my broader approach to repertoire selection for developing jazz ensembles: music that is stylistically authentic, technically achievable, and rich enough to support meaningful musical conversations in a short rehearsal window. Whenever possible, I also consult with experienced educators who work daily with students at the relevant level, ensuring that repertoire choices are ambitious without being unrealistic.