Young Jazz Ensemble Collection: 4th B-flat Trumpet Book

Playing through these twelve arrangements feels like stepping into a jazz club that happens to be very welcoming. You'll experience the crisp snap of swing, the floating ease of a ballad, the infectious groove of Latin and rock feels, and the intellectual puzzle of Take Five's unusual meter. The written-out solos and full ensemble passages give you moments to shine and moments to sit back and listen to the band breathe together.

Fourth trumpet players in young jazz ensembles, typically middle school through early high school, who are ready to handle jazz idioms and blend in a section. This book works equally well for directors building a school jazz program from scratch or adding depth to an existing ensemble.

• Support the section unison lines by matching articulation with the other trumpets, especially during the swing charts where crisp tonguing separates the sound from the reeds.
• When you have a written-out solo, treat it as a guide rather than a restriction. The notation shows you the melody and harmonic movement, but your phrasing and dynamics are what make it sing.
• Balance your volume against the saxophones in ensemble passages. Trumpets cut through naturally, so pull back slightly to let the full band breathe as one unit.
• On the ballads like 'Misty' and 'On Green Dolphin Street,' use minimal vibrato to maintain clarity with the rhythm section, then add expression once you feel the ensemble lock in.

Scatter these charts across multiple concerts throughout the year rather than clustering them in one concert. A single arrangement works beautifully as an opener to warm up the ensemble or as a closer to leave the audience smiling. The holiday tune slots perfectly into winter concerts, while the blues and standards give you flexible options for spring programming or jazz showcase events.

• Reading and playing jazz articulation and phrasing conventions
• Balancing individual section sound with ensemble blend
• Interpreting written-out solos with stylistic conviction
• Playing in mixed meters, specifically 5/4 time signature
• Responding to and supporting rhythm section groove and comping
• Managing trumpet range across multiple styles and tessituras