Rock Jazz Charts for Your Spring Program Wednesday, February 12, 2025
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Pyramid Power by Doug Beach & George Shutack, Grade 1
This driving rock chart is sure to be a hit, not only with the band, but with the audience as well. The infectious groove, the building pyramids, and the catchy melody all combine to create a perfect chart for your next program. The Jazz Foundations scoring ensures that the chart will work with virtually any instrumentation.
Soul Chicken by Kris Berg, Grade 2.5
A very soulful alto sax 1 feature with a relaxed rock-flavored groove played around 86 BPM. Everything is written out for the alto including a suggested ad-lib solo section. Trumpet 1 range is to written G on top of the staff. An electric piano and bass will provide a nice texture. An outstanding chart for any performance.
Hey, Elephant! by Drew Zaremba, Grade 2
You may be familiar with Drew Zaremba from his YouTube channel which features his fantastic big band and a host of super solos. This chart is a rockin’ good time and will be a blast for your band and audience.
Megalovania arr. Rick Stitzel, Grade 1.5
Retro music from “old school” video games never goes out of style. This popular and quirky theme from “Undertale” will quickly become one of your students’ favorites. This easy version features modest ranges and easy-to-learn patterns.
Phat Tuesday by Peter Sciaino, Grade 4
In the composer’s own words, “I was going for a New Orleans vibe…like a Dirty Dozen Brass Band sort of thing but it went J.B. horns (James Brown) style at some point.” That beautifully sums up this great new funk chart – searing horn lines and a cooking rhythm section.
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About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!