Jazz to the World: Score
Words by Isaac Watts, music by Lowell Mason / arr. Mike Story
Grade: 1 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0002452
$6.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
Based on "Joy to the World," this jazzed-up waltz chart is perfect for the holiday concert. Because Mike Story writes so well for the younger players, this chart will be a big hit. Easy ranges, a simple jazz solo written or ad-lib for 1st trumpet, and plenty of section and ensemble writing make this one easy to put together. (1:56)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Jazz to the World: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
First Year Charts for Jazz Ensemble
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
82
SKU:
00-PR-0002452
More about this title
About the Composer: Lowell Mason
Lowell Mason (1792-1872) was an American composer, music educator, and hymn writer whose influence shaped American sacred music for generations. His compositions, including the hymn tune now known as "Joy to the World," became cornerstones of American worship and remain widely performed today. Mason's commitment to music education and accessible composition made him a pioneer in bringing quality musical instruction to schools and churches across the United States.
Why we love this
Mike Story has transformed a beloved hymn into a Grade 1 jazz chart that actually works for young ensembles. The writing respects the age and ability of the players with straightforward ranges, clean section passages, and a trumpet solo that sounds authentic without demanding virtuosity. You get a holiday chart with real jazz vocabulary that your students will enjoy learning and audiences will recognize.
What to expect
A gentle, sophisticated groove that honors the hymn's dignity while swinging with genuine jazz flavor. The arrangement breathes with the warmth of a classic tune reimagined as a relaxed waltz, creating an inviting, contemporary sound that feels both festive and refined.
Who it's for
Young jazz ensembles (grades 6-9) encountering jazz standards for the first time, and holiday concert directors who want authentic jazz vocabulary without overwhelming inexperienced players. This works equally well for middle school jazz bands and first-year high school ensembles seeking approachable material.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a relaxed swing feel early in rehearsal; the waltz meter (3/4) with jazz articulation can feel awkward initially, so lock in the groove before layering in voicings.
- Balance the trumpet solo with light ensemble support behind it; younger players often overshadow soloists, so work on dynamics and space in that section.
- Keep the tempo conversational around the 1:56 duration; rushing a swing waltz loses the elegance of the original tune.
How to use it
Slot this into the second half of your winter concert as a bridge between traditional holiday carols and jazz selections; it serves as a statement of style that says "we take jazz seriously" without the programming weight of a high-energy chart. The 1:56 length also makes it ideal for holiday medleys or chamber jazz contexts.
Skills your students will build
- Swing articulation and phrasing in a waltz meter
- Section voicing and blend in jazz scoring
- Solo accompaniment and ensemble support dynamics
- Reading and interpreting jazz chord charts and performance cues