Ensemble

Grades 3-4. (Nowak) C

A patriotic anthem for the ages, this contemporary ballad by Lee Greenwood has already established itself as a standard. Beautifully scored for a vocal soloist, this arrangement makes a powerful statement for singer and band alike.

Canadian Brass.

Grade 4. (Taylor)

With Organ.

This is probably Charles Mingus' best-known composition. Sy Johnson's updated chart is the authentic version from the latest CD by the Mingus Big Band, Blues and Politics.

Here is a beautiful arrangement of Charles Mingus' signature ballad, featuring altos and trumpets playing the melody off the top, then later joined by the entire ensemble. Sample written solos are provided for the short solo or soli spots for trumpet and trombone. A jazz classic!

The unlikely treatment in a swing style sets this arrangement apart as Mark Taylor takes Elton John's familiar hit in a completely new direction. The style alternates between a 2 feel and straight ahead swing, and there are solos for tenor and trombone in addition to solid writing for the entire ensemble. Very effective!