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Blue Rondo a la Turk: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

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Blue Rondo a la Turk Cover Image

Blue Rondo a la Turk: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Arr. Calvin Custer

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-JE9816C

$9.00
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Description
You are not going to believe this arrangement! Calvin Custer has masterfully interpreted Dave Brubeck's classic jazz piece, creating a marvelous version for your jazz band that is really not that difficult. Effortlessly moving from 9/8 to 4/4 swing, this great chart features trumpet and alto sax solos in the middle section, followed by a full band shout leading back to the head. This is simply one of the best arrangements we have ever heard! (3:21)

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Additional Details
Series: Jazz Band Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 029156912487
SKU: 00-JE9816C

More about this title

About the Arranger: Calvin Custer

Calvin Custer has established himself as a skilled arranger for jazz ensembles, bringing clarity and accessibility to classic jazz compositions. His arrangements balance authenticity with playability, making significant repertoire available to student musicians without sacrificing the essential character of the originals.

Why we love this

Custer's arrangement captures the infectious energy of Brubeck's original while keeping the technical demands reasonable for Grade 3 ensembles. The chart respects the modal character and metric shifts of the source material, yet the solo section and shout chorus give your band moments to really drive the groove without overwhelming younger players.

What to expect

Cool and sophisticated, grounded in Brubeck's modal jazz vocabulary while maintaining an infectious groove. The piece moves between introspective and driving moments, giving your band the chance to demonstrate both ensemble control and swinging interpretation.

Who it's for

Jazz bands at the intermediate level, especially those ready to tackle metric modulation and swing phrasing without extreme technical complexity. This arrangement works for groups with solid basic section cohesion and at least one capable trumpet and alto sax soloist.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the 9/8 vamp with your rhythm section first; once the feel is solid, the horn parts sit naturally over it. The transition to 4/4 swing will feel earned rather than jarring.
  • Feature your trumpet and alto sax soloists prominently during the middle section. This is where the arrangement shines rhythmically, so give them room to breathe and swing.
  • Bring the full ensemble in on the shout chorus with unified articulation and confidence. The energy shift from the solo section back to the head should feel like a natural build, not a sudden reset.

How to use it

This is an excellent selection for concert programming when you want to showcase jazz band repertoire that is musically substantial yet achievable. It pairs well with more straightforward blues or funk charts and gives audiences a genuine glimpse into the compositional craft of modern jazz.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and performing in mixed meters (9/8 and 4/4)
  • Swing phrasing and rhythmic control in ensemble context
  • Soloing over changes with form awareness
  • Section cohesion during metric modulation
  • Ensemble dynamics and unified articulation in full-band passages

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