Jazz Philharmonic: Second Set: Teacher's Manual Book & CD

Phillips and Sabien understand how to keep string players engaged across the full spectrum of ability levels. This second set delivers fresh arrangements that give beginners room to develop secure fundamentals while offering advanced students real improvisational challenges, all within the context of authentic jazz language and structure. The inclusion of notated solos, walking bass lines, and recorded accompaniments transforms what could be rote reading into genuine musicianship.

Hearing a string orchestra swing. The solos have character and intent, not cookie-cutter figures, and the backgrounds interlock with the rhythm section in ways that make students feel like they're part of a real band, not a textbook exercise. Each tune balances accessibility with enough sophistication to keep engaged musicians interested.

String directors working with mixed-ability ensembles who want to introduce jazz as a serious musical language, not a novelty. Teachers seeking a comprehensive pedagogical resource that includes both charts and a complete accompaniment track for rehearsal and solo practice. This is also valuable for jazz improvisation classes built around string instruments, where students need models and professional audio support.

• Use the recorded accompaniment strategically: begin with students listening to it without playing to internalize the groove and harmonic movement before adding their own parts.
• Encourage rhythmic independence from the piano and bass. Have students tap or play their parts while the accompaniment plays, building comfort with swing feel and syncopation in a real ensemble context.
• Balance the ensemble texture by rotating who plays written solos and backgrounds. This prevents any one student from dominating and ensures everyone experiences both roles.
• Start slower than the recording tempo if needed. Let the ensemble lock the harmonic progression and solo structure before accelerating to match the professional recording.

Slot individual tunes into pops concerts or spring programs to demonstrate your ensemble's stylistic range. Use the accompaniment recordings during sectional rehearsals so students can internalize swing feel without waiting for the full orchestra. This collection also works well as the core of a focused jazz unit in ensemble class, where you can explore one tune at a time across 4-5 weeks.

• Reading and executing swing articulation and rhythmic feel in string context
• Understanding chord progressions and functional harmony through improvisation
• Accompanying technique: playing backgrounds that support rather than overshadow soloists
• Listening and responding to rhythm section, especially walking bass patterns
• Improvising melodies within jazz chord structures using guide tones and approach notes
• Ensemble balance and dynamic control in a non-vibrato jazz style