First Year Charts Collection for Jazz Ensemble: 3rd Trombone Book

The collection swings through a satisfying mix of moods: upbeat big band energy on 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' and 'James Bond Theme,' laid-back groove on the Latin pieces, and genuine warmth on ballads like 'Li'l Darlin'.' The opening warm-up chart 'Loosen Up' does exactly what its title promises, setting a relaxed tone for the ensemble to build from.

Third trombone players in their first or second year of jazz ensemble experience. These students have enough fundamental technique to handle position reading and basic jazz articulation, but still benefit from straightforward harmonic writing and manageable solo sections that build confidence.

• Anchor your section by locking into the bass line during swing feels, especially on charts like 'One O'Clock Jump' where the trombone voicings support the groove's foundation.
• When tackling the written solos, treat them as learning tools first. Work the articulation and phrasing slowly before blending them into the section's dynamics.
• Use the rhythm section voicing suggestions as a teaching moment with your pianists and guitarists; young rhythm players need to see how their chord choices interact with the horn lines.
• Layer the ballads carefully. The third part in charts like 'Over the Rainbow' often fills harmonic gaps, so balance the density with the first and second parts during ensemble sections.

Open your jazz ensemble concert with 'Loosen Up' to settle both players and audience into the groove. Scatter the ballads and holiday material across different sets to break up the swing charts; this collection's stylistic variety works well if you're programming a full evening or need pieces for winter concert, spring festival, and end-of-year shows without gaps in instrumentation.

• Reading and voicing jazz chord changes in a support role
• Recognizing and executing swing articulation and syncopation
• Balancing ensemble sound with a reduced instrumentation model
• Playing written solos with phrasing and jazz inflection
• Adapting tone and style across ballads, Latin, rock, and swing charts