Young Jazz Ensemble Collection: 3rd Trombone Book

You're part of a tight brass section that floats above and underneath the saxophones, sometimes comping chords, sometimes playing melodic lines, sometimes just holding down the harmonic foundation. The writing lets you contribute without overwhelming younger players, and the mix of styles keeps each rehearsal fresh.

Third trombone players in developing jazz ensembles who are ready to play from a real jazz book but still need support through written solos and accessible voicings. This collection works for middle school through early high school groups learning to balance blend, listen, and swing.

• Listen closely to the rhythm section, especially the bass line and ride cymbal. Your phrasing and articulation should lock with theirs rather than fight against it.
• Study the written solos before rehearsal, even though they're written out. Understanding the harmonic structure underneath helps you phrase musically rather than mechanically.
• Pay attention to dynamic markings in ensemble passages. Jazz arrangements often use volume to sculpt the sound, and third trombone carries important harmonic weight that gets exposed if you play too loud.
• Work the 5/4 section of 'Take Five' slowly at first with the rhythm section. Once the feel clicks, you'll find the groove.

Build an entire jazz concert from this single collection. The variety of tempos and styles lets you open with energy (Jungle Boogie or Sax to the Max), shift into a ballad moment (Misty), pivot to something fun and unexpected (Burritos to Go), and close with a classics pairing like On Green Dolphin Street and Take Five.

• Reading and playing jazz articulation and phrasing
• Playing through written jazz solos as a pathway to improvisation
• Listening and locking in with rhythm section in swing, Latin, and rock feels
• Understanding third trombone voice leading and harmonic function in a section
• Playing different tempos and styles from ballad to uptempo swings
• Reading 5/4 time signature in a jazz context