New NCBF Big Band Repertoire 2026/27

Energize! (Vince Gassi) Kendor

Using techniques usually found only in upper-level charts, here’s a Rock chart with plenty of vitality and drive. Your rhythm section will love playing this one!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M3QAwV64OU&list=RD6M3QAwV64OU&start_radio=1

Hot Salsa Café (Doug Beach/George Shutak) Doug Beach Music

Another quality chart from the dynamic duo that should get your audience up and dancing in true Salsa mode! Again it can be used with flexible instrumentation. How do these guys keep doing it?

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbrTTqcatIs&list=RDdbrTTqcatIs&start_radio=1

Hush (Peter Sciaino) Excelcia

A lazy Swing Ballad that is perfect for working on ensemble blend and rhythmic consistency across the whole band. Think ‘Li’l Darlin’ at a slightly faster pace and you’ll get the idea!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npXlLwfE51E&list=RDnpXlLwfE51E&start_radio=1

Chilli Pepper Purée (Doug Beach) Doug Beach Music

A driving Fast Latin chart from a composer who knows exactly what young bands will enjoy. Another chart to get your audiences dancing!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlIciTqdcW0&list=RDFlIciTqdcW0&start_radio=1

Plug ’n Play (Jeff Jarvis) Kendor

You would usually find Jeff Jarvis writing outstanding funk and rock charts for advanced groups, but he has now brought all his immense qualities to bear on a fun Steady Rock chart for developing bands. You’ll really enjoy working on this one!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJkjStoyc9s&list=RDNJkjStoyc9s&start_radio=1

Goin’ Off The Peep End (Kris Berg) Alfred

Yet another chicken-themed chart from this master of writing at exactly the right level for developing bands. It has a great Rock groove but plenty of dynamic, rhythmic and textural contrasts throughout. A great chart to peck away at!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

Payton’s Tune (Rick Hirsch) Alfred

A slow trumpet introduction leads into a quicker Straight 8s treatment of a poignant yet powerful melody you’ll really enjoy playing. There are opportunities for brief solos from alto, trombone, tenor and trumpet creating moments of contrast and interplaying lines. A beautiful chart.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dtn41pqfIE&list=RD4Dtn41pqfIE&start_radio=1

Currents (Vince Gassi) Kendor

If you want to feature your lead trombone, here’s a gorgeous gentle Trombone Ballad that would meet your needs. The piece builds in intensity, moving through several keys, and features some lush moments that are the high points of this chart. Your soloist will really enjoy presenting this piece and it provides a wonderful contrast to surrounding faster charts. It’s Lusher-like in its sound world, for those who remember that wonderful British ace trombonist, Don Lusher.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MbIC0He30&list=RDl5MbIC0He30&start_radio=1

EKG (A Measure Of Heart) (Peter Sciaino) Excelcia

A medium tempo Straight 8s chart featuring complex interweaving lines with lots of syncopation. This creates a floating soundscape that rises and falls with each phrase. Not your usual chart and well worth investigating for those change of pace moments in a programme.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtOjouD5Az4&list=RDJtOjouD5Az4&start_radio=1

Morning (Clare Fischer arr Mike Kamuf) Alfred

Another medium tempo chart in the Cuban-flavoured Guajira groove. Very infectious! Tenor, trumpet, guitar and trombone state the opening melody with opportunities later for solos by trumpet 2, tenor 1 and trombone 1. Add extra latin percussion to help drive the groove and it will provide many memorable performances that audiences will love!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdfbxOs9qA8&list=RDbdfbxOs9qA8&start_radio=1

Slick And Sly (Drew Zaremba) Alfred

A rather different chart with a cool Tango-ish groove and the soulful melody introduced by Alto 1 followed by solo space for itself, trumpet 2, trombone 1 and drum set. Plunger mutes change the brass sound and there is also a brief swing section to provide contrast. ‘Groovy Baby’ is how one film character may have described it! Another wonderful change of pace chart!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzKBAvvzVb8&list=RDxzKBAvvzVb8&start_radio=1

Wise Up (Gordon Goodwin) Alfred

It was such a shock to hear of the death of Gordon Goodwin at the end of last year. I was privileged to have Gordon work with my bands, both here and in the States, on a number of occasions. Writing imaginative quality charts in a variety of styles at advanced levels provided much needed fresh material rooted in the tradition of the great Big Bands such as Basie & Ellington. Being fortunate to have a succession of capable musicians at my disposal I shamelessly used these charts to push my band’s ability levels!

Then Gordon realised that he could also provide the same levels of quality charts at lower performance levels, many of which we have included in our Repertoire List. The latest being this wonderful Swing Shuffle chart where each section and soloists get a chance to shine. Another winner from a master musician who has left a great legacy of performance music for us all to enjoy. Another audience pleaser!

I understand that he recorded a new album with the Big Phat Band last year so watch out for that landing in the not too distant future.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34BInrem0uo&list=RD34BInrem0uo&start_radio=1

Caveat Emptor (Attack Of The Pink Dolphin) (Ellen Rowe) Kendor

This celebratory chart, written for the Florida Bandmasters Association, combines Hip-hop and Straight-ahead jazz. It needs a real sense of swagger to bring off. There is plenty of solo space and immense tutti sections requiring a solid sense of group across the whole ensemble. If you’ve never come across Ellen’s music before it is really worth investigating, including her charts at lower grade levels. They’re always imaginative.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7C6CC7WZtY&list=RDt7C6CC7WZtY&start_radio=1

Looking In (Patty Darling) Sierra (Ballad Samba)

Another female Big Band composer worth investigating is Patty Darling. Here she presents a rather unique chart with slow, Ballad-like opening and close surrounding a brilliantly constructed Samba with an opportunity to feature your improvising trombone soloist. Different and captivating!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl4fYLUGVTA&list=RDzl4fYLUGVTA&start_radio=1

Proove Your Groove (Alan Baylock) Alfred

Alan Baylock continues to write quality charts that are always fun to play. Here we have a Steady Funk chart with the chance to feature your trombone soloist in the improvised section. Another creative piece from a master composer/arranger.

Talking about Alan Baylock it’s well worth looking out recordings by the One O’Clock Lab Band, of which he is musical director. Albums are labelled ‘Lab 2025’ etc. and contain some excellent charts from Alan as well as students and staff at the University of North Texas. They’re also great exemplars for how a contemporary Big Band should sound, with attention to details of dynamics, articulation, balance and blend. Have a listen. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax1_Tc09Gk8&list=RDAx1_Tc09Gk8&start_radio=1

Strollin’ Down Funk Avenue (Mike Tomaro) Doug Beach Music

As with the previous composer, anything new from Mike Tomaro is also well worth a look. A brilliant Funk Shuffle chart with plenty of challenge for the whole band, leading to a full-on Swing section, before ending back in Funk mode. Solo space is included for Trumpet and Tenor Sax but can be opened up as desired. Strollin’ with a swagger, I’d say!!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhULyIWUwYA&list=RDJhULyIWUwYA&start_radio=1

THAT Escalated Quickly (Craig Skeffington) Kendor

A Fast Swing Bebop chart that showcases a number of soloists as well as the full ensemble. A great opener or closer with plenty to challenge in Craig Skeffington’s new take on ‘rhythm changes’. Start or go out with a bang!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLERslOp6rQ&list=RDbLERslOp6rQ&start_radio=1

The Extra Mile (Lars Halle) Kendor

Featuring a duet of Alto Sax and Flugel Horn on the tune, here’s a bright Samba that moves effortlessly into and out of a Swing section for solos by Tenor and Baritone Sax

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaXrlazJm8Q&list=RDRaXrlazJm8Q&start_radio=1

Brother Mister (Christian McBride) Subito Music Corp.

Bassist and bandleader Christian McBride provides a lively Straight 8s chart of high quality featuring solo space for Piano, Soprano Sax and Trumpet. Well worth looking into if you’re looking to feature music from illustrious bandleaders.

The first link is to a live performance; the second to further details:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb1YbAJeti4&list=RDpb1YbAJeti4&start_radio=1

https://www.subitomusic.com/product/mcbride-brother-mister-score-parts-digital-download/

Hullabaloo (Alan Baylock) Alfred

Another imaginative piece from the pen of Alan Baylock with a New York Street Beat feel. You can imagine the band parading down the street playing this with its memorable melody lines and infectious groove. Solo spaces are provided for Alto, Tenor, Trumpet and Trombone. Another fun to play chart from this exciting composer.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSO4kV6FfOM&list=RDvSO4kV6FfOM&start_radio=1

It’s Not Working (Steve Wiest) Excelcia

Trombonist/composer Steve Wiest continues to produce imaginative new charts at all levels. Here’s a terrific Funk Swing chart to test the whole band with plenty of open space for soloists.

Well worth looking at if you have the team to accept the challenge!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybk7y--hnjY&list=RDYbk7y--hnjY&start_radio=1

Too Boggy For The Buggy (Chris Diamand) music@chrisdiamand.co.uk

Chris was one of the NCBF Big Band Young Composers who presented us with his Grade 3 chart ‘Bixty Bop’. I am pleased to introduce you to two more charts by this very talented young composer. This is a very attractive Hip-hop/Swing chart with very memorable groove lines and plenty of solo space. A real winner!

This link will take you to a recording by the Eleventh Hour Jazz Orchestra featuring Chris on bass and another of our NCBF Big Band Young Composers, Donovan Haffner, on Sax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqQ7V_UBe8A

Contact Chris to order your set!

Adverse Camber (Chris Diamand) music@chrisdiamand.co.uk

Here’s the second of Chris’s charts. Featuring a solo piano opening it then moves into a Straight 8s groove.

This link will take you to a recording by the RAM Jazz Orchestra, again featuring Chris on bass and Donovan on Sax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=300D4B9_18E&list=RD300D4B9_18E&start_radio=1

Once again, contact Chris to order your set!! You won’t be disappointed!

No Way Back (Tobias Hoffman) ijazzmusic.com (Straight 8s)

Tobias was one of the top composers in the Callum Au Big Band Composers competition. Here is an excellent example of his work in this Straight 8s chart, with a mixture of even and odd time signatures. Inspired by the music of Alex Sipiagin, Chris Potter and Dave Holland this composition won 3rd Prize at the “Il Composition Contest” of the “Big Band de Canaries” in Tenerife (Spain) in November 2022.

This link will take you to a performance by the Tobias Hoffman Jazz Orchestra:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDTS-imaMVs&list=RDJDTS-imaMVs&start_radio=1

Of Another Time (Bob Curnow) Sierra

Written in memory of Stan Kenton, this gorgeous Flugelhorn Ballad by brilliant arranger/composer Bob Curnow. If you have the player this is a must for any serious programme choice.

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbsqJQAvYP4&list=RDYbsqJQAvYP4&start_radio=1

Return Of The Storm (Jeff Jarvis) Kendor (Afro-Cuban Funk)

Here is ‘high-end’ Jeff Jarvis writing at its best. Written as a follow up to ‘Category 4’ (a brilliant chart), Jeff pulls out all the stops with this 12/8 driving Afro-Cuban Funk chart. Looking for something different, challenging and exciting?

This is it!

This is a link to a scrolling score and further information:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93fwRwyuAtQ&list=RD93fwRwyuAtQ&start_radio=1

Where Is Here? (Bailey Ehrgott arr Brian Lawrence) brianlawrencemusic.com

Want a chart that focuses on your guitarist? Here’s a Funky Hip-Hop tune written by guitarist Bailey Ehrgott and arranged by Brian Lawrence, premiered by the United States Air Force Band - Airmen of Note.

You can find a perusal score and further information on Brian’s website (take the opportunity to see his brilliant Snarky Puppy arrangements while you’re there!) and this link will take you to a recording of the premier performance featuring Bailey herself:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04KNz1BoSog

Bandwagon Blues (Callum Au) callumaumusic.com (Fast Swing)

Callum continues to produce a range of exciting charts. Here’s a Fast Swing barnburner! If you have players with the chops then this is a no brainer to include in your programme!

Go to his website for purchase details and this link will take you to a live recording of the Callum Au Big Band at Pizza Express Jazz Club, including a wonderful cup muted trombone solo from Callum himself:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbs90nGhk6s&list=RDhbs90nGhk6s&start_radio=1

Conspiracy (Tobias Hoffman) ijazzmusic.com

Awarded 3rd Prize at the “Bill Conti Big Band Contest 2021”, this is a really challenging chart written while Tobias was reading and learning about various conspiracy theories and how dangerous they can be.

Head to the website for further details of this chart and, while there, explore a vast reservoir of Big Band charts by a wide array of other brilliant composers. The following link will take you to a recording by the Tobias Hoffman Jazz Orchestra:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmoJ1QoJt_A&list=RDCmoJ1QoJt_A&start_radio=1

Murmurations (Callum Au) callumaumusic.com

Finally, a really challenging chart from Callum Au. His musical interpretation of this phenomenal sight of nature with the woodwind team representing the flying birds!

This link will take you to a live recording with Callum directing the SWR Big Band. ‘Murmurations’ starts at 8mins 24secs in ……. but do enjoy the rest of this high level performance by this amazing Big Band:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1_x68gmeDU&list=RD-1_x68gmeDU&start_radio=1

Grade 1

Grade 1.5

Grade 2

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Grade 3

Grade 3.5

Grade 4

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Grade 5

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Grade 5.5