Instrumental Solos by Special Arrangement: Tenor Saxophone Book & CD

These arrangements deliver authentic jazz style without asking saxophonists to improvise, opening the door to jazz repertoire for students still building their improvisational confidence. The 11 standards are instantly recognizable, giving students the satisfaction of playing music they actually want to hear. Strommen's writing respects the tenor saxophone's lyrical qualities while keeping the technical demands reasonable for intermediate players.

These 11 standards carry the elegant sophistication of the Great American Songbook. Each arrangement sits comfortably in the tenor saxophone's warm, expressive register, inviting players to discover the jazz idiom through melodic playing and responsive interaction with the recorded rhythm section. The result feels less like practicing and more like sitting in with real musicians.

Tenor saxophonists at the intermediate level who are ready to explore jazz repertoire but may not yet be comfortable generating their own improvisations. This book works equally well for high school jazz band sections, college non-majors programs, and private studio students looking to expand beyond classical or contemporary styles.

• Balance the melodic line over the accompaniment track so your voice cuts through without overwhelming the rhythm section on the recording.
• Pay close attention to the articulation markings in the variation sections, as they define the jazz character and distinguish each arrangement.
• Let the recorded accompaniment establish the tempo and feel before you enter, then lock in with the groove rather than fighting against it.
• Shape the phrasing with slight swings and breath points that mirror how a vocalist would deliver these standards, not as a classical melody.

Feature a single arrangement as a jazz interlude in a concert program, or program two or three consecutively to showcase how different standards can anchor an evening. These pieces work particularly well in informal settings like jazz showcases, pops concerts, or departmental recitals where the energy and accessibility of the standards will resonate with diverse audiences.

• Swing articulation and phrasing specific to jazz interpretation
• Listening and responding to recorded accompaniment
• Melodic interpretation without improvisation
• Stylistic flexibility moving between classical and jazz idioms
• Understanding jazz harmony through melody reading