All jazz ensemble compositions by Joel Vanderheyden are now available for purchase on L91 Jazz and JWPepper.com
Named an “Editor’s Choice” on JWPepper, Catfish Voodoo is a grade 2 New Orleans second line chart that has optional flex parts and works in both small combo and big band formats. It was commissioned by a consortium of 21 high school and middle school directors from around the country and includes optional tablature for developing guitarists and bassists, as well as optional parts for sousaphone and other band instruments that make this a great fit for any ensemble. It’s the perfect “contrast” chart for your festival set and its infectious groove will make it a student favorite!
Viking Ship Feast is a rollicking grade 4 shuffle that was commissioned by the Grand Rapids Community Big Band. It opens with the trombone section imitating a Viking Gjallarhorn ("Y'ALL-are horn") and features every section of the band in a 16 bar blues format. The perfect high energy opener or closer for your concert! Lead trumpet range is a written Db above the staff.
Calling all b-boys and b-girls! An homage to old school Hip-Hop, this chart for advanced high school or college jazz bands brings back the grooves of the 80’s and 90’s, complete with simulated record scratches and syncopated 8th notes that will have your audience MOVING! Lead trumpet range up to written D above the staff. Open solo section in a simple progression in C minor for any instrument. Auxiliary percussion parts for agogo bells and brake drum.
A fun holiday jazz band chart that marries Jingle Bells with the Blues! Shouting, jingling sleigh bells in the trombone section, and catchy, riff-based horn lines will keep smiles on your students’ faces. Perfect for your middle school or developing high school jazz band. Lead trumpet range is up to a written F in the staff. Written solos for lead alto and lead trumpet, but could be opened up for any instrument.
A modern feel with a straight 8th note half time groove. Great contrasting chart for a festival set that features the drummer, pianist and bassist, with room for solos on any instrument. Lead trumpet range goes to a written Bb just above the staff.
A joyful New Orleans-style second line that features each section of the band and incorporates some simple singing and collective improvisation. Your students will LOVE this chart and it works as a fun closer or really anywhere in your set! It also includes an optional sousaphone part that can replace the bass or bass trombone, or you can still add sousa and keep the other parts too. The more, the merrier on this one! Lead trumpet range is up to a written C above the staff, but will work even if that’s not an option.
Written for the Vermont All-State Jazz Band. Minor blues and fast swing with a funky sax soli and a thundering, counterpoint-driven shout chorus. Lead trumpet range is a written C above the staff.