PDFs of the score and parts for "Northbound," commissioned in 2016 for the James Madison Memorial High School Jazz Orchestra (Madison, WI), directed by Ben Ferris.

Link to audio (with score) on YouTube

"Northbound" is written in a 3/2 "big 3" feel, a nice introduction to that somewhat unfamiliar time signature for high schoolers. Many members of the band also get an opportunity to do a little bit of low-pressure, single note improvising. The piece features a solo with fairly challenging modern-jazz chord changes, written in the second trumpet part.

Difficulty Level: Grade 4 (Medium High School/Medium-Easy College)

Instrumentation: Standard, plus optional parts for flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet

Perusal Score PDF

Northbound Score & Parts (PDF) - Grade 4