Jazzworks

Genuine jazz that swings with energy and contemporary flair. Hampton's writing balances melodic appeal with harmonic sophistication, creating pieces that feel current without sacrificing musicality.

Band directors and jazz ensemble leaders looking for contemporary jazz writing that works for student musicians. The Jazzworks series serves ensembles ready to engage with real jazz language and structure.

• Listen to recorded jazz models in the specific style of each piece before rehearsing; let students hear what swing feel and phrasing should sound like in context.
• Give rhythm section players space to develop independence early on. These pieces reward ensemble cohesion when everyone locks in their own part.
• Encourage soloists to listen to the recorded accompaniment repeatedly to internalize the harmonic landscape before improvising.

Include this in jazz concert programming alongside standard big band classics, or use it in a dedicated jazz unit to show students what modern educational jazz writing sounds like.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing
• Reading jazz notation and chord symbols
• Swing feel and rhythmic precision
• Ensemble balance in jazz textures
• Understanding harmonic movement in jazz contexts