Grade 4 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4smckGEcvgI) - “Amizade” is Portuguese for “friendship.” This medium shuffle in D minor is filled with energy from beginning to end. Tenor and alto saxophones, as well as the drums, are featured as soloists, while the chart builds to a powerful shout chorus. This chart is a strong concert opener! Amizade has been recorded on the album Infância by the Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra (8 brass). Trumpet range: E6.

Grade 4 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSfCa4i3hB8) - “April Song” is a joyful jazz waltz chart that showcases almost the entire band, either through small soli sections (saxophones, trombones, muted trumpets) or through individual solos: bass, piano, alto saxophone, and tenor saxophone. The song-like melody is very memorable, and the orchestration provides interesting surprises throughout. Alto saxophones double on flute. “April Song" was the winner of the 2016 National Band Association Jazz Composition Contest, and it has been recorded on the album Infância, by the Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra. 8 Brass. Trumpet range: Bb5.

Grade 5 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVVhOOkmzY) - “Baião Moderno” is the 3rd of three movements of Infância: A Brazilian Suite for Jazz Orchestra. This chart is an exciting and gratifying challenge to jazz performers. Intricate melody lines combine with a propulsive Brazilian groove in unexpected ways. Soprano saxophone, trumpet, and the drums are the featured soloists; optional piccolo, flute and percussion parts complete the orchestration. This chart was awarded Outstanding New Instrumental Composition at the International Jazz Composers’ Symposium in May 2017. 8 Brass. Trumpet range: D6.

Grade 5 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wheKH0Ziboc) - “Belmont” is a flowing chart written in even 8th notes, reminiscent of ECM jazz styles. Expressive and heartfelt, the flugelhorn carries the melody, which flows and evolves passionately over a rich harmonic texture. Both the flugelhorn and the tenor saxophone improvise, while a light samba groove takes over. “Belmont” is strongly influenced by the romantic character of Brazilian music, an influence that can be felt both in its driving groove and in its lyrical melodies. Saxophones double on flutes and clarinets. (8 brass). Trumpet range: C6.

Grade 4 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F--kowV3z68) - “Distant Dreams” is the 2nd movement of Infância: A Brazilian Suite in Three Movements for Jazz Orchestra. This slow bossa nova displays great lyricism and intricate chord progressions. Its song-like feel and wistful melody appeal to jazz musicians and the general audience alike. Piano, trombone, and alto saxophone are the featured soloists; optional flutes and voice parts complete the orchestration (8 Brass). Trumpet range: C#6.

Grade 4 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxK8J-xhnkE) - “For the Rise of a New Day” is a funk chart with surprising harmonic twists. Following the main theme, the arrangement moves into a free-flowing, triplet-based section in which the melody is played by the basses (bass, bass trombone, and baritone sax). This middle section grows majestically, until it brings back the funky groove for solos. Soloists featured in this chart are the piano and the trombone. The combination of a “pop” feel with rich harmonic nuances and song-like melodic lines makes this chart a creative and pleasing option for young talented bands. Trumpets 1 and 2 double on flugelhorns. "For the Rise of a New Day" was the winner of the 2016 Ithaca College Jazz Composition Contest and featured at the 2017 Jazz Education Network Young Composer Showcase (8 brass). Trumpet range: C#6.

Grade 5 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIgX7cOjRg4) - “The Nomad” is the first movement of Infância: A Brazilian Suite in Three Movements for Jazz Orchestra. The piece starts off with a small section in the Brazilian maracatú groove; this section soon gives way to a musical journey in 5/4 meter, which features a strong and lyrical melody. The guitar and tenor saxophone are the featured soloists; optional piccolo, flute, voice, and percussion parts complete the orchestration. This exciting chart has been recorded on the 2017 album Infância, by the Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra (8 Brass). Trumpet range: C#6.

Grade 5 (Audio sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNwUpnx0ESA) - “Rio Vermelho” is Portuguese for “Colorado River.” This upbeat composition is written in the Frevo style, a fiery rhythm that has its roots in the Carnival celebrations of the Brazilian northeast region. Rio Vermelho features fast-moving melodies typical of this popular style, which contributes to the composition’s fiery and joyful character. The arrangement features several short improvised solos; any musician in the band may be highlighted. This is an exciting chart, great to open or close your concert! (8 brass). Trumpet range: D6.