The original Blues for Big Ears from Jazzy Etudes arranged for Concert Band.

Blues for Big Ears is one of Mark Nightingales’ Easy Jazzy Tudes, one of Warwick Music’s bestselling publications. The band arrangement came about as a result of a stroke of inspiration. After teaching the piece to pupils the idea to arrange it for band was formed. The solo in the middle can be read, or if you have a budding player who likes to improvise feature them. The quavers throughout should not be swung! The Tubas and instruments playing the bass part, should aim for a light sound, and try to imitate the sound of a double bass playing pizziccato. As there are easy parts attached, band directors can include their youngest players, so they don't feel left out. If you have a good drummer, get him to improvise during the fills, rather than read the notated part.