Caravan: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Irving Mills, Duke Ellington, and Juan Tizol / arr. Roland Barrett
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0008007
$60.00
One moment…
Description
Check out this spectacular new arrangement of an Ellington jazz classic. The chart really takes off after a big and bold intro! You will hear some interesting new twists, making this a perfect piece for both the field and the stands! (2:10)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Caravan: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Premier Series for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
136
SKU:
00-PK-0008007
More about this title
About the Composer: Irving Mills
Irving Mills (1894-1985) was a songwriter, publisher, and promoter who shaped the sound of American jazz during its formative decades. Though less celebrated than his collaborators, Mills authored or co-wrote some of the era's most enduring compositions, including "Caravan," which he created alongside Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol. His gift for crafting memorable melodies and his business acumen helped bring jazz standards to concert halls and dance floors alike.
Why we love this
Roland Barrett's arrangement captures the swagger and sophistication of the Ellington original while building energy that translates perfectly to the marching field. The bold intro sets a commanding tone, and the twists that follow keep audiences engaged without sacrificing the tune's unmistakable character. This is a piece that sounds polished in both outdoor and indoor settings, giving your program real versatility.
What to expect
Caravan swings with confidence from the moment it opens. The arrangement balances the languid, exotic character of the original melody with propulsive rhythmic energy, creating a piece that feels both cool and celebratory.
Who it's for
Marching bands at the intermediate to advancing level looking to program a jazz standard with genuine sophistication. This works equally well for groups that march competitively or perform in stands, and it appeals to audiences familiar with jazz history.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the opening statement so it lands with authority; the intro sets the stage for everything that follows, so lock the ensemble sound early.
- Emphasize the Latin and jazz articulations written into the parts. These details transform a familiar melody into something fresh and prevent the performance from feeling stiff.
- Use the 2:10 duration as your rehearsal target. Maintain consistent energy through the piece so the arrangement's momentum carries the final sections.
How to use it
Program this mid-set to shift the mood and showcase your band's rhythmic precision and stylistic range. It pairs well alongside concert marches or contemporary classics, and its 2:10 length makes it an ideal feature without overshadowing other repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Jazz articulation and phrasing, including interpretation of swing style
- Latin rhythmic patterns and their interaction with jazz idioms
- Dynamic contrast and control in a fast-moving arrangement
- Ensemble balance when navigating syncopated lines across multiple sections