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Beginning a Jazz Ensemble:
So it's time you started a jazz ensemble!  Finding accessible repertoire that is pleasing to the ear can be a feat.  The best thing to do would be to network with seasoned music teachers to get their ideas on what charts work.  If my band was brand new and had never before tasted the wonders of Jazz, I would also look into Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble. (See link at bottom of page)  

Neil Yorke-Slader suggests a few collections as "literature that will optimize your chances of success" with a new stage band. Jenson's Beginning Jazz Ensemble Series (top tpt. note is E) William Allen's Stage One Series Barnhouse's Beginning Jazz Ensemble Series Learning Unlimited's (Hal Leonard) Discovery Jazz Series Doug Beach's First Edition Series

Repertoire for an Experienced Jazz Ensemble:
Searching for repertoire for an experienced jazz ensemble is quite a bit different than searching for beginning jazz charts.  The best thing to do would be to network with seasoned music teachers to get their ideas on what charts work. 

If my students had already had experience playing in a jazz band, I would first view school-owned repertoire. If many of them were dated scores, I may look into purchasing some old favourites like Sweet Georgia Brown (Dixieland Jazz-style piece -- remember the Globetrotter's theme?) and In the Mood. Both of these are available through various suppliers in arrangements of varying degrees of difficulty.

During my placement, I had a great deal of exposure to Jazz. I had the chance to play trumpet in SCSS's Jazz Ensemble. It was a fantastic experience, and opened my eyes to various charts which I may want to use once I feel more secure in the genre. (I am unable to find the precise arrangements though so will not post those charts at this time. Once I retrieve the product numbers from those scores, I will add it to this page!)

Neil Yorke-Slader suggests a few collections for more seasoned elementary jazzers who are up for a challenge. Kendor's Easy Start Series, Prom Series, Jerry Nowak Series  Doug Beach's Threshold Series Jenson's Young Classics for the Young Ensemble Series, Young Jazz Ensemble Series Barnhouse's Play Easy Series Learning Unlimited's (Hal Leonard) Easy Jazz Ensemble Series

Music Selection Checklist:
What sorts of things should you look for when choosing repertoire for your jazz ensemble?  

Neil Yorke-Slader offers tips on what to look for when purchasing jazz music for your ensemble: 1st trumpet range  Are woodwind doubles (flute, clarinet) required? Are there individual solos?  If so, are written solos provided, or is a demo tape available to "lift" a solo? Does the bass part display notes, or just chord symbols? (This is more of a problem with advanced repertoire) Does the piece feature your stronger players or sections?

There are certain other points that should be kept in mind too. When you purchase any sort of music, you must be very careful that the music will not become dated. Playing music from the Top 40 might sound like a good idea, but will your students want to play that music a year down the road?  Then again, for nostalgia purposes, these pieces can be pulled out again many years down the road -- but you want repertoire that will never go out of style!

And finally, the most obvious point:  Be sure the music you choose or purchase is within the playing ability of your students.  Please don't misinterpret me though -- pushing your students beyond their current means is good for the occasional piece, but be sure you have at least one piece that your students will feel comfortable with.  What better way to start out a concert than to play something you know?  This is about building confidence as musicians and performers in your students.

Finding Sheet Music for your Jazz Band:
Many schools already have excellent music libraries. However, if you enter a school though that has never before had a jazz program, what do you do? The best thing to do would be to network with seasoned music teachers to get their ideas on what charts work. Like any music though, charts vary in difficulty and scoring -- one must be careful!

As a classically trained musician, I didn't know where to start to look for jazz scores. This section closes with a list of some sites which deal with jazz music. I'm afraid, not having ordered music from any of them, I cannot tell you what their service is like, but this gives you a starting place!  

The optimal idea would be to do business with a local music dealer who can cater to your needs and find what you are looking for.  These businessmen are well versed in their field and thus should be able to answer any questions asked of them or to refer you to a person who could be of service to you.