Authentic charts with educational focus on improvisation and style. Discover quality jazz arrangements that teach traditional and contemporary jazz techniques for developing ensembles.
Few charts in the big band repertoire hit harder than Groovin' Hard — the Buddy Rich Band's signature showpiece that has electrified audiences and intimidated drummers for decades. This arrangement brings that same energy within reach of developing players, carefully adapted for high school and college jazz ensembles without losing the drive, intensity, and authenticity that make the original so iconic.
The arranging approach is deliberate: modifications are strategic rather than cosmetic, preserving the spirit and feel of the Buddy Rich Band version while making the technical demands manageable for medium-advanced players. Sax soli writing, featured improvisation sections, and a prominent drum solo give your strongest players room to shine, while the ensemble writing remains idiomatic and true to the big band tradition throughout.
Well-suited for concert performance, festival, and adjudication programming, this is the kind of chart that makes an impression on judges and audiences alike — and gives your ensemble something genuinely worth working toward. Included historical and program notes provide context on the chart's place in big band history, adding depth to the performance experience for students and listeners.
Score and all individual parts included.
A jazz-funk arrangement of Miles Davis's beloved Jean Pierre for middle school or early high school jazz ensemble. Built around a single chord (concert B♭ major), this Grade 2 chart is both immediately accessible and musically rich — making it an ideal concert closer or festival piece for developing jazz bands.
The deliberately simple melody gives students room to focus on what matters most at this level: swing feel, groove, dynamic shaping, and ensemble blend. Layering, mute work, and a bass solo section introduce players to the signature sounds of Miles Davis's electric period without overwhelming younger performers.
Includes a dedicated improvisation section with soloist sheets in all transpositions (C treble, E♭, F, B♭, C bass clef), featuring scale guides, chord tone references, and a sample solo based on Miles's recorded performance — giving students a real pathway into jazz improvisation.
Instrumentation: Alto Sax 1–2, Tenor Sax 1–2, Baritone Sax, Trumpet 1–3, Trombone 1–3, Piano, String Bass, Drums, Auxiliary Percussion. Optional parts included for Flute, Clarinet, French Horn, Treble Clef Baritone, Tuba, and Guitar — flexible enough for any school program.
Special features: Harmon mute trumpet solo, plunger mute trombone section, optional bass solo (cued in tuba, guitar, and piano), full style and interpretation notes, and mute technique guides for both trumpet and trombone.
We're currently developing exciting new jazz ensemble arrangements and original compositions. In the meantime, explore our complete catalog or contact us about custom arrangements for your jazz program.