DOS AMIGOS: Latin Styles for Advanced Jazz Ensemble Friday, December 05, 2025
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Dos Amigos by George Shutack, Grade 4
New from the pen of George Shutack comes the exciting new feature for two Trumpets. The flowing melodic line is set over a strong Spanish groove. With a floating 3/4 feel as a foundation, the strong melody couples perfectly with the solid ensemble writing to create an abundance of teaching opportunities. A perfect change up for any program or festival.
Brincando Na Bossa by John La Barbera, Grade 4
Tenor (optional solo part), 4th Trumpet (double Flugel) and Lead Trombone (optional solo part) take the lead in this grooving bossa for medium to advanced jazz ensembles.
The Extra Mile by Lars Halle, Grade 4
Featuring a duet of Alto Sax and Flugelhorn on the melody, this bright samba moves effortlessly into a swing groove for the B section of the tune. The distinctive harmonic vocabulary of the chart helps make it a standout at this level. There is solo space for Tenor and Bari, followed by a soft and rhythmic ensemble section.
Gregory Is Here arr. Michael Phillip Mossman, Grade 5
Even though the sax section gets the bragging rights in this outstanding arrangement of this classic mambo chart by Horace Silver, the entire ensemble gets a chance to flex some muscle. Lead Trumpet plays to high D and Lead bone plays to high C.
Iluminada by Michele Fernández, Grade 4
Get ready to move! Opening with a warm and sultry flute solo (opt. Alto or Flugelhorn) this chart transitions into a burning Son Montuno with an infectious melody full of lots of syncopations. Meticulously marked percussion will teach your rhythm section authentic interpretations of the Cáscara, Campanéo and Songo grooves. Your bass player is also in for a treat. Open solo section. Lead Trumpet plays up to high Bb and lead Bone plays up to high Ab.
This Masquerade arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 4
This fresh bossa setting of the classic #1 hit by Leon Russell prominently features your lead trombone player as a soloist as well as the sax section. The solo section cleverly breaks into a double-time feel samba then transitions back for the ending. Lead trumpet plays high Bb and Lead Bone plays high G.
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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!