BRAVITO! Latin Styles for Beginning & Developing Jazz Ensemble Thursday, November 06, 2025
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Bravito! by Michele Fernández, Grade 2
Teach your early jazz players authentic Merengue style with this fiery Latin original. Great yet accessible parts for all sections and your rhythm section will be on fire. Open solos for all sections and a fun opportunity for the trumpets to make verbal shaker sounds. Lead trumpet plays E, lead bone plays Eb.
Bossa Corrente by Dean Sorenson, Grade 1
The timeless beauty and power of the Mighty Mississippi River is the inspiration for “Bossa Corrente.” In a river, the current (“corrente” in Portuguese) refers to the flow of the water The composer captures the Mississippi’s unyielding river flow using distinctive melodies, rich counterpoint, and layered musical textures. These techniques, combined with a relaxed Bossa Nova groove, paint a picture of the Mississippi as its current cuts a swath from the forests of northern Minnesota to the Crescent City of New Orleans, Louisiana. The open solo section allows students to improvise using only the notes of the concert D Aeolian scale. A written suggested solo is also included.
Chili Pepper Puree by Doug Beach, Grade 2
A driving latin feel is the foundation of this new chart from Doug Beach. With a strong melody, solid voicings and an open solo section, this piece will be not only a great concert or festival choice, but also a wonderful vehicle for teaching young players this important style.
Danza del Gato Verde by Mike Collins-Dowden, Easy
This original laid back latin tune will make other cats green with envy. Young bands will love the groove on this chart almost as much as it’s playability. The solo section features space for any instrument to play a written suggested solo or improvise over the spicy Latin groove.
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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!