Best of Belwin Jazz: First Year Charts Collection for Jazz Ensemble: E-flat Baritone Saxophone Book

Twelve snapshots of classic and original jazz moods: the nostalgia of "Bill Bailey" and "Jingle Bell Rock," the blues feeling of "Birth of the Blues," the groovy Latin pocket of "Poco Loco," the spiritual warmth of "Gospel." Each arrangement invites baritone sax into the conversation with parts that matter musically, never feeling like an afterthought.

First-year jazz ensemble players on baritone sax who are ready to move beyond fundamentals into real ensemble literature. This is ideal for middle school or young high school jazz programs building their repertoire and confidence across multiple styles in one focused collection.

• Balance your tone with the tenor and alto saxes in unison passages; your warmth anchors the section without overpowering it.
• Lock into the rhythm section during swing feels by playing just slightly behind the beat, letting the walking bass and drums breathe.
• In ballads and the waltz, shape phrases with the same care you'd bring to a concert band solo; these charts reveal how much emotion baritone can deliver.

Use this as your spring jazz concert cornerstone; twelve titles give you options for opening sets, features, or a medley arc that takes the audience through multiple moods in one program. The variety in styles and tempos also works beautifully for teaching jazz phrasing, interpretation, and section blend throughout a semester.

• Reading jazz notation, articulation, and swing rhythms
• Playing jazz ostinatos and responding to rhythm section grooves
• Improvisation from written solo frameworks
• Balancing tone and intonation within a saxophone section
• Phrasing and interpretation across swing, Latin, ballad, and waltz feels