Pacific Attitude: Flute
By Vince Gassi
Grade: 1 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0017146_F1
$3.00
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Description
What is a "Pacific Attitude?" It's cool, it's refreshing, it's a fun-to-play rock chart. This one is easy to play, quick to rehearse, and includes a written tenor sax solo, a nice ensemble interlude, a few strategically placed one-measure drum solos and a 1st trumpet range to written E, top space. The band will dig this chart and ask to play this one every rehearsal. A winner, for sure. (3:22) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Pacific Attitude: Flute comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
First Year Charts for Jazz Ensemble
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
78
SKU:
00-PC-0017146_F1
More about this title
About the Composer: Vince Gassi
Vince Gassi brings two and a half decades of classroom experience to his compositions, having taught instrumental music at both elementary and secondary levels across North America. His output exceeds 100 published works, and his ability to write music that challenges students musically while remaining accessible has earned him regular appearances at major festivals, adjudication assignments, and clinician invitations throughout the United States and Canada.
Gassi holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario and completed advanced studies in composition and arranging at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, followed by a Ph.D. from York University in Toronto. His workshops on creative engagement and digital workflows for music directors reflect his commitment to practical, innovative teaching strategies. His compositions appear frequently on concert and contest programs internationally and have been recorded and performed across North America, Europe, and Japan.
Why we love this
Gassi understands what makes a first-year jazz chart work for a young ensemble: it's attractive enough to earn genuine enthusiasm from students, but structured smartly so that rehearsal time goes toward real musicianship rather than technical problems. The written tenor solo and strategically placed drum features give individual players meaningful moments without overwhelming the ensemble, and the rock-influenced groove sits naturally under young players' fingers.
What to expect
Cool and contemporary without sounding trendy or dated, with a laid-back rock groove that invites students to relax into the pocket. The piece breathes easily; nothing feels forced or unnecessarily complicated, leaving room for the natural joy of playing together.
Who it's for
Young jazz ensembles in their first or second year of playing together, where you need a piece that builds confidence without requiring advanced harmonic reading or complex section work. The Grade 1 level and manageable rehearsal time make this ideal for groups working toward their first jazz festival or concert.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the tenor saxophonist prepare the written solo separately before full ensemble rehearsals; this solo carries the chart's identity and deserves focused attention early.
- Balance the ensemble interlude carefully so the horns can breathe and lock together without the rhythm section overshadowing the voicings.
- Time the one-measure drum solos tightly with the drummer using a clear hand signal; they work best when they feel confident rather than tentative.
- Establish the rock feel's pocket early by having the rhythm section lock together before bringing in the full band; this groove underpins everything that follows.
How to use it
Program this early in a jazz concert to establish momentum and audience connection before moving into more sophisticated or introspective material. It pairs well with a second-half feature or ballad, giving your band a strong opener that gets students and listeners engaged from the first chord.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and playing rock-influenced jazz grooves
- Balancing written solos within ensemble texture
- Responding to percussion-driven rhythmic cues and ensemble features
- Maintaining consistent feel across different instrumental sections
- Navigating a written tenor saxophone solo within full-band context