Instrumental Solos by Special Arrangement: Alto Saxophone Book & CD

Strommen's arrangements unlock these jazz standards for saxophonists who crave authentic big band sounds but haven't yet developed improvisation skills. The writing captures genuine swing vocabulary and phrasing while keeping note reading straightforward, making rehearsals efficient and performances feel fully realized rather than simplified. Students actually sound like jazz musicians from their first playthrough.

You're stepping into the smoky warmth of a 1930s-1940s jazz club, where these melodies are standards everyone knows. The rhythm section swings beneath you with that classic shuffle feel, and your part rides on top with the ease of a tune you've heard a thousand times, yet rendered fresh through Strommen's careful orchestration.

Alto saxophonists at the early-intermediate level who want to experience jazz repertoire without the technical barrier of improvisation. This works equally well for young musicians in dedicated jazz band settings and for classical saxophonists exploring the genre through written-out arrangements.

• Shape phrases by listening to the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal; notice where the rhythm section breathes and follow those natural stopping points rather than pushing straight through.
• Honor the articulation markings throughout; the dots, accents, and slurs are specifically composed to nail the jazz inflection that makes these standards sing.
• Treat the 'variation' section as your moment to develop tone quality and control. The optional material gives you room to dig into the melody without the pressure of keeping up with ensemble figures.
• Lean into the blues touches and bent notes indicated in the written parts. They're already composed for you, so commit to them fully rather than playing them cautiously.

These arrangements fit perfectly in a pops concert or jazz showcase, especially when you're building confidence in younger ensembles or mixed-ability groups. Program them as a suite to demonstrate range across standards, or pair individual titles with classical saxophone solos to show stylistic breadth in a recital or festival performance.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing conventions
• Swing subdivision and rhythmic feel in notated parts
• Tone control across a range of dynamic levels within one arrangement
• Call-and-response listening skills when playing with recorded accompaniment
• Recognition of jazz chord changes through melody line