Jazz Philharmonic: Second Set: CD

Phillips understands how string players actually learn jazz: through accessible charts, clear backgrounds, and optional accompaniment that lets soloists build confidence without immediate ensemble pressure. The Second Set deepens what the original collection started, giving directors a substantial repertoire that grows with students rather than repeating material they've already mastered.

These tunes swing with genuine jazz character while remaining playable by students still developing their voices. The notated solos provide scaffolding for improvisation, and the optional backgrounds create an ensemble sound that rewards ensemble listening and response.

String orchestra directors teaching beginning through advanced jazz repertoire will find this collection invaluable. It serves students ready to move beyond classical idiom and teachers aiming to build jazz literacy without abandoning ensemble cohesion.

• Use the recorded accompaniment to isolate and develop individual solos; this lets students rehearse improvisation independently before returning to full ensemble contexts.
• Lock the bass lines and chord progressions first; jazz articulation and swing feel flow naturally once the harmonic foundation is secure.
• Rotate soloists through different tunes during rehearsal so multiple players gain improvisation experience from the same set of charts.

Build a jazz concert around a themed evening, pairing pieces from this collection to show stylistic range while giving soloists multiple opportunities to shine. The variety of tunes also works well as a semester-long improvisation unit where students tackle one new chart every few weeks.

• Jazz articulation and swing phrasing on strings
• Reading and performing notated jazz solos
• Improvisation over chord changes
• Ensemble comping and accompaniment in jazz contexts
• Understanding bass lines and harmonic movement in jazz standards