Charting the Course, F Book 1: F Instruments Method Book

Fraley builds in real pedagogical scaffolding rather than just handing players a chart and hoping for the best. The mini-clinics that break down chord progressions and suggested scales transform each tune into a small lesson, while the transcribed and suggested solos give hornists concrete models to learn from before improvising themselves.

Six tunes that range from samba swing (Porto Alegre) to straightforward funk and classic jazz grooves, each accessible enough for younger players yet musically satisfying. The writing sits comfortably in the horn register and the play-along tracks capture the warmth and energy of a working jazz band.

Horn players in grade 2-2.5 jazz ensembles who are ready to develop improvisational skills with guided structure. This book works for players stepping into jazz soloing for the first time, as well as those refining their ability to navigate chord changes and generate coherent solos from a harmonic foundation.

• Study the transcribed solos first, note-for-note, to internalize the phrasing and articulation choices of the recorded soloist before attempting your own improvisation.
• Use the suggested scales in the mini-clinic as your starting palette during solo sections; this prevents players from feeling overwhelmed by chord changes and keeps solos grounded in the tune's harmonic logic.
• Lock into the rhythm section on the play-along tracks during rehearsal so your timing aligns with the recorded drummer and bass before performing with your section.
• Work through the spelled-out chord progressions slowly at first, speaking the chord names aloud while you play to reinforce the harmonic movement underlying each solo section.

Use these tunes as your core repertoire for a jazz ensemble festival or contest entry at the grade 2-2.5 level. The three-part flexible instrumentation means you can build your ensemble around available players, and the wealth of recorded backing tracks lets students practice independently between rehearsals.

• Reading and executing three-part jazz voicings with flexible instrumentation
• Improvisation over diatonic chord progressions using suggested scale choices
• Transcription and internalization of recorded solos
• Time and section cohesion by playing with full-band play-along tracks
• Harmonic analysis of chord changes and their relationship to scale tone centers