Jazz Ensemble Gr. 4-5 (not listed in order of difficulty)

Truly burning. Authentic, Grade 4 (+) Rumba scored for full jazz ens. in two sections (med and fast tempo). Opt notes for lead tpt. One basic drum set pattern throughout. Playable by one med adv. drummer (conga addition ideal). *Coming soon to Hal Leonard".

Upbeat, authentic Samba based on changes to "Here's That Rainy Day". Soaring melodies, uplifting mood.  Gr. 4- (due to a few written Bb5 for Lead Tpt, but alt. notes included could yield a Gr 3+. All Rhythm fully notated. *Click Above for "MF Music Buy Here" page. Coming to Hal Leonard 2024.

A new, multi-styled arrangement on a timeless classic, this accessible Gr 4 will be avail via Hal Leonard spring 2024.  JW Pepper "Editors Choice".  All rhythm completely notated. Perc parts are written, basic grooves adjusted to be MUCH easier than they sound!

Upbeat Salsa w Nostalgic Flute (or Alto) Written Intro. Gr 4 (newly scored). Written for my daughter, Sara, in gratitude for "lecturing" me, at age 6, to return to music after losing  our son because, "music made you happy". "Iluminada" refers to her. *Click Above "MFMusic Purchase" Page.

Gr. 5 Big Band adapted from my Wind Symphony (see "Symph. Works" Link). Jazz Suite in 4 contrasting AfroCuban styles. In memory of Zac and Kris Carrier. Premiered by UNT One O'Clock Lab Band (Dir. Alan Baylock). Live audio pending, but This demo sounds very live *Visit "MFMusic Purchase Here" Page.

Authentic, Cuban Son Montuno (Salsa) Gr. 4 written for my son, Sean, premiered at 1998 Midwest Clinic by my own students (Miami Senior HS). Nostalgic intro solo (flugel or bass). Rhythm parts notated, playable 1-2 Perc. Avail via Hal Leonard. My proceeds will fund cleft surgery; please support!

Fast, very "hair-on-fire" authentic merengue scored for Big Band but also playable with 3 horns in each section and one drummer (uses a one-bar rhythmic pattern). *Sax runs have opt small notes to simplify. *Alternate tpt notes included. Avail via Hal Leonard. 

Authentic Samba Ballad written in memory of prolific Florida director/mentor, Rodester Brandon. Trombone feature, written solo. Playable by 2 perc (all written out). Piano solos written out as well. Gr.4 *JW Pepper" Editor's Choice" Chart; Avail Excelcia.

An upbeat Swing chart with a fresh feel and some James Bond-ish "to the rescue" riffs thrown in to depict loyal support from good friends. Scored for Big Band. Gr 3+/4  (Depending on tempo). Avail Excelcia Spring 2024. *Click Above for "MF Music Buy Here" page.

This culturally diverse Gr 4. chart features authentic Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Middle-Eastern, Funk grooves in seamless transition. All rhythm section parts are clearly written out. Suggested solos are provided. Commissioned by Dr. John Seybert (director). *Click Above for "MF Music Buy Here" page .

Emotive piano intro, to med tempo Son Montuno, to "on fire" Salsa. Gr 4. Don't worry; lead tpt high 8ve on MP3 at end is opt. Playable by one int. level drummer (all patterns written out) but 2 perc preferable. Written for 2023 FL Allstate HS Jazz Ens. JW Pepper "Editor's Choice"Avail via Excelcia. 

The Full Jazz Ensemble Version of "La Luz En Ti" above was premiered at 2021 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic by University of North Texas Two O'Clock Lab Band, Rob Parton, Director. This big band version is a JWPepper's "Editor's Choice" chart. Avail now via Hal Leonard . Grade 4. 

Upbeat, authentic Samba for Full Jazz Ensemble. I actually wrote this in my head while tearing around Miami backstreets on my Vespa-style scooter recently.  Gr 4. Solos and rhythm parts are written out.  JW Pepper Editors ChoiceCuica part can be played by agogo bells. Avail now via  Excelcia Music. 

A stand-alone version of "Celebration" Mvt. 2 from the original Wind Symphony and the subsequent Jazz Suite. Opt notes added for Lead trumpet (goes to written C6). All rhythm notated. Playable by one medium advanced drummer. Addt'l perc parts opt. *Click Above for "MF Music Buy Here" page .

Cuban-bolero/ballad for Full Jazz Ens. featuring Alto Sax, "Paquito" style. This one is about gratitude for the sincere people the Universe has sent to encourage/inspire me throughout my life. Avail Hal Leonard and premiered at 2021 Midwest Clinic by Mundelein HS Jazz Ens, Andy Sturgeon, Director.