hi,

not sure if this is the right forum to post but i know i will get some direction on this forum. I am starting a junior big band at my school this year and need to know where i can find easy charts for juniors. The age range is from 10-14 years and skill level ranges from grade 3 -6 (Royal schools/trinity).

any help guys pls. cant find on the net
thanks

Roland,

BRAVO! Your effort in this area is greatly appreciated!

There used to be a publisher named Kendor here in New York, that published hundreds of "graded" charts, from very simple to unplayable. They also provided educators (who might be just learning jazz) with a nice "sampler" of excerpts from a few of their charts, and a sample abbreviated recording of each.

The Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation of Winona, Minnesota, USA has "absorbed" many of the smaller independent jazz and fusion publishers. They might be the most fruitful single-source of this stuff.

Berklee Press - Boston - is still very active, although most of their charts used to be quite advanced.

I have no idea how many of these once-wonderful publishers are still providing printed music - a sad commentary on our times, and on our values - but here goes:

Robbins Music Corporation - New York
Bourne Company - New York
Banes Music Company
Studio P.R. - California
Editora Musical Arapua, Sao Paulo, Brazil - Latin specialists
Maynard Ferguson Music, Ltd. - London (I believe)
United Artists Music Company, Inc. -
Silhouette Music Copr. - New York
Leo Feist, Incorporated - New York
Tempo Music, Inc. - New York
Frank Music Copr. - New York
(Herbie) Hancock Music Co. - New York

At one time, each and every one of these was publishing charts for 17-piece (plus) big bands. These should get you started on the right track.
Ed

Hi LoPresti

thanks for the advice. the Hal Leonard stuff was just what i needed. great advice. thanks

I am more than happy to help, Roland. The big band is a nearly extinct ensemble here in the USA, except for educational institutions. On the professional level, it is a huge loss for writers, arrangers, and players as well.

Best of luck with your endeavor!
Ed