Vintage Vinyl: New Arrangements of Classic Pop and Jazz for Band Tuesday, March 26, 2013
When you consider your options for programming pop music titles this spring, remember there is a wealth of classic pop and jazz available in quality arrangements for your concert band. If your students aren’t already familiar with these timeless hits, it’s YOUR job to educate them:
Best of Chicago
arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
The early hits by supergroup Chicago were remarkable for their driving rock style combined with a distinctive and integral use of horns. Here’s a fast-paced and dynamic medley for young players that includes the familiar tunes Make Me Smile, Saturday in the Park, and 25 or 6 to 4.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
arr. James Swearingen, Grade 3
Elvis’ classic hit finds inspired life in this romantic ballad beautifully scored to feature your best alto saxophonist.
Come Fly with Me
arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Written for Frank Sinatra and the title track of his 1958 album, this wonderful big band-style arrangement remains masterfully true to the original recording. Perfect for pop, summer, or community band concerts!
Legends of Jazz
arr. Stephen Bulla, Grade 4
Learning opportunities just seem to go hand-in-hand with this outstanding medley of milestones in American jazz, each a classic in its own style: Boplicity (Miles Davis), ‘Round Midnight (Thelonious Monk) and In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington).
Moon River
Henry Mancini/arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
From the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Henry Mancini’s iconic ballad has been recorded by countless artists over the years. Arranged as a flexible solo vehicle for vocalist or instrumentalist, this finely crafted setting will certainly add a special moment to any concert.
A Night in Tunisia
arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Authentic, newly inspired treatment of Dizzy Gillespie’s Afro-Cuban groundbreaker features your saxophone section as it deftly shifts between swing and Latin styles, and sizzles with rich jazz flavors.
Rock, Roll, and Remember (A Tribute to Dick Clark)
arr. Ted Ricketts, Grade 3
Since the 1950s, the name Dick Clark has been synonymous with the hottest names in popular music. Appearing on his long-standing series American Bandstand was a hit parade of trend-setting artists. Here is a fun, fast-paced medley of some of the signature moments from the Dick Clark era: Bandstand Boogie, Rock Around the Clock (Bill Haley), The Twist (Chubby Checker), Don’t Worry Baby (The Beach Boys), Light My Fire (The Doors), Rockin’ Robin (The Jackson Five), and YMCA (The Village People). Also included is an optional tag on Auld Lang Syne , remembering many years of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
The Rolling Stones on Tour
arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 3
The legendary Rolling Stones are celebrating their 50th anniversary, so why not celebrate with them? This arrangement, approached in a straight-ahead rock fashion, combines the dramatic Paint It, Black, the beautiful Ruby Tuesday, and the rocking (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction into a tour de force for your concert band.
For more great suggestions for your concert band, contact Stanton’s band department. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!