First Year Charts Collection for Jazz Ensemble: 2nd E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

From the upbeat swing of 'One O'Clock Jump' to the cinematic cool of 'Peter Gunn' and 'James Bond,' this collection captures the joy of playing jazz standards and recognizable tunes alongside original charts. You'll feel the groove take shape in rehearsal, moving between styles fast enough to stay fresh without exhausting anyone with overly complex harmony or extended improvisation.

Second-year alto saxophonists ready to play real jazz repertoire with peers, or first-year players in a strong jazz program who grasp basic reading and want to experience playing in a section immediately. This book works for school jazz ensembles, youth jazz bands, and community music programs where accessibility is as important as authenticity.

• Anchor your section sound by listening to the tenor saxophone and matching their tone weight and articulation, especially on swing charts where the sax section needs to blend as one voice.
• Study the written solos before rehearsal so you can focus on phrasing and swing feel rather than just reading notes; these aren't meant to be improvised on the fly at this level.
• Lock into the rhythm section's groove early and often, particularly on the Latin and rock tunes where the pocket determines whether the whole band swings or drags.
• Balance your volume carefully in unison passages with the other altos; let the trumpet line carry the melody and sit slightly behind it to create depth.

Open your winter concert with the warm-up 'Loosen Up' to get the ensemble settled, then move into contrasting pieces like the holiday chart and a ballad to show range across one evening. These charts also work perfectly for pep band gigs or informal performances where you want to sound polished without requiring the rehearsal time a more advanced book would demand.

• Reading jazz notation and chord symbols
• Playing swing articulation and phrasing with consistent feel
• Blending as a saxophone section in unison and harmony
• Following written-out solos and understanding jazz form
• Responding to rhythm section accompaniment and groove
• Balancing individual voice with ensemble sound