Comfort and Joy: 2nd Baritone T.C.
Traditional / arr. Rick Hirsch
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PC-0016265_BTC2
$3.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
A superb holiday swinger at around 180 BPM. The melody is generously passed around the ensemble to keep everyone happy, plus there is written-out solo space for tenor, alto, piano and some drum fills, too. Lead trumpet range is to written B-flat above the staff and includes an optional vibe part. An excellent chart! (3:14) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Comfort and Joy: 2nd Baritone T.C. comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Jazz Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
98
SKU:
00-PC-0016265_BTC2
More about this title
About the Arranger: Rick Hirsch
Rick Hirsch studied composition and arranging at UMass-Amherst and Northern Illinois University, then launched his career as a music copyist for jazz legends Bob Mintzer and Toshiko Akiyoshi. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by world-class musicians including Yusef Lateef and Eddie Henderson, and his writing for ensemble has reached audiences through the Capitol Quartet, Penn State's Blue Band, and numerous All-State and District Jazz Band guest conducting appearances.
Hirsch served on the music faculty at Penn State University and remains a sought-after arranger in the jazz education world. In 2017, his ensemble BIG OL' BAND released their debut album, Pocono Git-Down, a celebration of jazz creativity thriving in communities far from the traditional jazz centers.
Why we love this
Hirsch understands how to keep a jazz ensemble engaged and motivated. Every section gets melodic moments to claim ownership of the tune, and the written solo space for tenor, alto, and piano gives your soloists a structured yet flexible platform without requiring improvisation skills your ensemble may not yet possess. The optional vibe part adds color and texture while keeping the arrangement accessible.
What to expect
A sophisticated holiday groove that swings hard without overcomplicating the melody. The arrangement sparkles with energy and generosity, passing melodic moments like gifts around the ensemble while maintaining the warmth and familiarity that "Comfort and Joy" brings to listeners. The recorded accompaniment is tight, propulsive, and full of character.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors with Grade 3 (medium-level) groups ready to tackle a substantial holiday swinger that showcases every section. Ensembles benefit most when they have at least developing soloing ability in tenor and alto saxophones and competent piano and rhythm section players.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a crisp, swinging groove at 180 BPM during early rehearsals by locking the rhythm section first; let the ensemble lock in once your drums, bass, and piano are solid.
- Shape the melody passages as the arrangement passes themes between sections. Encourage each group to play with ownership and clarity, especially since these moments anchor the piece for listeners.
- Balance the lead trumpet's high register (written B-flat and above) carefully in full ensemble sections so the soloist isn't buried when the horns come in.
- Prepare your tenor and alto soloists by reviewing their written solo sections in advance; having a strong sense of the harmonic structure and chord changes supports confident execution.
How to use it
This works perfectly as a closing selection for a December or winter concert, especially when you want to showcase your jazz ensemble's depth and swing feel to a holiday audience. Program it alongside a ballad or vocal selection to create dynamic contrast, or use it as the finale of a jazz-focused concert where the entire ensemble can celebrate together.
Skills your students will build
- Playing swing rhythms and jazz phrasing in a fast-tempo context
- Trading melodic lines between sections while maintaining ensemble unity
- Executing written solo passages with fluency and stylistic integrity
- Balancing section independence with collective groove in a full ensemble sound
- Reading and performing high register passages (lead trumpet to written B-flat) with projection and control