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Charting the Course, Piano Book 1: Piano Method Book

$10.00 USD
$10.00 USD
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Charting the Course, Piano Book 1 Cover Image
Charting the Course, Piano Book 1: Piano Method Book

Charting the Course, Piano Book 1: Piano Method Book

By Ryan Fraley

Grade: 2-2.5

Item: 98-HX102PNO
$10.00
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Description
A collection of six charts for small jazz groups at grade 2 - 2.5. All charts are scored in three-part writing, with flexible instrumentation provided by all three parts in each wind book. Solo sections are provided with changes, and also a mini-clinic for each tune with a break down of the spelled-out chord progression and suggested scales to use throughout each solo. Twelve transcribed solos match the recordings note-for-note, and twelve suggested solos give younger players a starting point with themes taken from the recorded solos. 49 downloadable play-along tracks provide every instrument a chance to sit in with the recorded band. Contents Include: Porto Alegre; Time Will Tell; Leap Day; Bohemian Groove; Avalon; Steam Punk Funk

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Additional Details
Series: HXmusic
Publisher: HXmusic
ISBN10: 1-53088-285-0
ISBN13: 978-1-53088-285-4
SKU: 98-HX102PNO

More about this title

Why we love this

The built-in pedagogy here is exceptional. Each tune includes a chord breakdown and scale suggestions that teach improvisation alongside performance, turning rehearsal into a clinic. Fraley's three-part writing maintains texture without overwhelming younger ensembles, and the mix of transcribed and suggested solos means every player in your group can find an entry point into jazz soloing.

What to expect

Accessible and swinging. These six tunes have enough harmonic interest to keep musicians thinking, yet the straightforward three-part voicings let the soloists breathe. From the Latin pulse of Porto Alegre to the funk swagger of Steam Punk Funk, the collection mixes moods while staying grounded in melodic clarity and groove.

Who it's for

Young jazz combos ready to move beyond head-only arrangements into real soloing work. This book works especially well for grade 2-2.5 groups with at least one piano player and flexibility in wind instrumentation, making it perfect for school jazz labs or community ensembles mixing different instruments.

How to get the most out of it

  • Work through the mini-clinics before assigning solo sections. Have students speak the chord progression aloud until it's second nature, then map scales to each chord.
  • Rotate who takes which solo part during rehearsals. Since all three wind parts offer solo opportunities, this keeps everyone engaged and gives pianists a chance to hear the changes from different angles.
  • Use the play-along tracks for sectional practice. Let rhythm section members lock in without full ensemble distractions, then layer winds in once they're confident.
  • Balance the group sound by rehearsing the transcribed solos as a section first. Once the ensemble owns the phrasing and articulation, individual interpretation comes more naturally.

How to use it

Build a jazz festival or concert set around these charts. Since each tune includes recorded solos and play-alongs, you can program them as feature performances (with transcribed solos) or use them as flex-instrumentation vehicles when you're short a player. The mini-clinics also make these ideal for a spring workshop where soloists from multiple groups can study the same harmonic language together.

Skills your students will build

  • Chord-scale relationships and improvisation over ii-V-I progressions
  • Reading and interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing in three-part writing
  • Playing with a recorded rhythm section and locking into groove
  • Transcription and solo reinterpretation by ear
  • Flexible part assignment and doubling across wind instruments
  • Building accompaniment figures that support soloist communication

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