Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Hirsch Music Publications

It don't mean a thing if you haven't heard this chart yet. "Fantasia on an Ellington Theme" has two drum solos: brushes on the way in, sticks on the way out. This winner of a chart is rhythmically exciting, uses contemporary harmony, and has solo space for alto and trombone (and the flexibility to add more).

"Fantasia" is one of my most-played jazz ensemble works. It has been performed by All-State jazz bands every year for the past decade, and is widely performed on high school and collegiate jazz festival stages every year. It's a challenging but accessible piece that is truly within reach of most bands willing to invest the rehearsal time.

Thanks to DOJO (the DiMartino/Osland Jazz Orchestra) for the fantastic recording you hear above (from their CD Off the Charts).

Full Score
Soprano Saxophone (Or Alto Saxophone)
Alto Saxophone
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
5 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums