April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and at J.W. Pepper, we’re celebrating with some truly outstanding jazz band repertoire. Jazz is what made so many musicians first fall in love with music, and for many of us, it all started in a high school jazz band—auditions, nerves, classic charts, and that unforgettable feeling of making the band.
In this video, we highlight a range of jazz standards and fresh arrangements perfect for school and community jazz bands. From timeless classics to modern takes on familiar favorites, these charts are designed to engage your performers and leave a lasting musical impression.
Many of today’s featured selections are available via ePrint, so you can start rehearsing—or even performing—right away. All titles are linked directly below—and you’ll find even more jazz band music for Jazz Appreciation Month and beyond at jwpepper.com.
If you’re looking for jazz band charts, classic jazz standards, or meaningful repertoire to celebrate April, this video is the perfect place to start. Now—let’s get into some great jazz.
Song for my Father
Horace Silver/arr. Paul Murtha
This standard features a distinctive bass line groove and a laid-back Latin style. Expertly adapted for this easy level, here is a great way to introduce the music of this jazz master to your students.
Starts at 1:24
C Jam Blues
Duke Ellington/arr. Rick Stitzel
Whether you know this one as C-Jam Blues or Duke’s Place, you sure will recognize all the great Ellington writing! Even the most inexperienced bands can do a fine performance on this jazz classic. The suggested solos are included in the parts for the entire section, so you can make it a soli feature if you prefer. There’s a marvelous ensemble tutti section that starts softly then builds to the end.
Starts at 2:40
Sing, Sing, Sing
Louie Prima/arr. Victor Lopez
Yep, this is the Sing, Sing, Sing you know and love, made famous by Gene Krupa and the Benny Goodman Orchestra, only arranged for young players by Victor Lopez. The classic drum solo that can be opened up for as much excitement as the crowd can stand, along with a written-out tenor solo, reasonable brass ranges and lots of meaty ensembles keep this great chart exciting. It will also sound full with reduced instrumentation or with the optional, non-jazz band parts. It’s still a showstopper! Highly recommended!
Starts at 3:53
Strike up the Band
George Gershwin/arr. Rob McConnell
Shifting between chorale, swing, blues, and atonal textures, this dynamic chart features demanding solos and rapid tempo changes. Precision and focus are key throughout.
Starts at 5:06
I Could Write a Book
Richard Rogers/arr. John Wasson
Perfectly scored for young jazz ensembles, this arrangement of the classic standard from the musical “Pal Joey” is perfect to teach swing style and to expand your players’ knowledge of classic American standards.
Starts at 6:01
Mamacita
Joe Henderson/arr. Alan Baylock
A groovy straight-eighth feel on this jazz standard with amazing parts for all and an intro that is nothing but fire. The tempo is around 154 bpm, and the lead trumpet range is to written B-flat above the staff. Sample solos are provided for alto and tenor sax, plus optional flute and vibes parts. Energy prevails!
Starts at 6:47
Ain’t Misbehavin’
arr. Chappie Willet
The classic chart gets the big band treatment in this rare 1943–44 arrangement that featured Dexter Gordon on tenor sax and Armstrong’s iconic trumpet and vocals. A simple, powerful chart with a separate vocal part included – perfect for bands looking to swing with style.
Starts at 8:02
