AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Top New Swing Charts for Intermediate Jazz Band Tuesday, October 28, 2025
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Ahead of the Curve by Steve Briody, Grade 3
“Ahead Of The Curve” is a fast-paced, hard-swinging opener that sets an exciting tone for any concert or festival performance. This Steve Briody original features a catchy melody, strong ensemble writing, and engaging interplay between sections. Despite its brisk tempo and moments of harmonic variety, the chart remains highly accessible for developing bands. The solo section offers a slight departure from the main changes and includes clear, suggested solos to support young improvisers. Bold, vibrant, and uplifting, “Ahead Of The Curve” is an impressive addition to any jazz program!
Ain’t Misbehavin’ arr. Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
This laid back swing treatment of the jazz standard has so many dynamic moments that your band will love! The band goes from a lazy feel to blowing the roof off the auditorium with some big ensemble hits that reach out and grab the audience throughout the chart. This features written or ad-lib solos from the Alto Sax and Trumpet.
Another One for Ray by Ryan Fraley, Grade 2.5
Let the bass take the spotlight in this straight-ahead swing chart with a classic jazz feel. Written to showcase the upright bass, it keeps the groove locked in while the band provides solid support with a brass interlude and a sax soli. This chart swings hard and gives your bassist a well-deserved moment to shine. (Top trumpet note: G5)
Danger Island! by Rich Woolworth, Medium Easy
Get ready for fun with this unusual chart. Just like your favorite adventure movie, it’s brimming with action and excitement! Drums and auxiliary percussion set the mood as the Saxophones take the melody. After a bold statement from the ensemble there’s an extended Tenor solo, which leads into a call-and-response between the Drums and the horns. The Trumpets take the melody into a big finish, with a large terrifying chord from the entire band.
In Your Own Sweet Way by Dave Brubeck/arr. Annie Booth, Grade 3
Check out this gorgeous Brubeck melody set in an easy swing groove around 120 BPM. Featuring your lead alto player on the melody with suggested written-out solo space. Lead trumpet range is to A above the staff, and all the usual optional parts, including flute and vibes.
The Jody Grind by Horace Silver/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
Enrich your jazz musicians with the music of Horace Silver with this arrangement of one of his most soulful blues tunes. Tenor Sax 1 and Trumpet 2 play the first statement of the head creating the original sound before the Alto 1 joins in. Expert scoring wraps the melody in hip figures and great ensemble hits. Solo changes for Trumpet 2.
Wise Up by Gordon Goodwin, Grade 3.5
A terrific swing-shuffle grove around 150 BPM. This chart is simply fun and hip. Solo space is provided for alto, tenor, bari, trumpet, and trombone with sample solos provided for E-flat, B-flat, trombone, and C instruments, and very flexible. Each section gets to shine in this superb chart and optional parts include flute, vibes, and percussion. The lead trumpet range is to high D.
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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!