Flight of the Dolphins (Jazz Ens Gr. 3)

If you’re searching for a contemporary jazz piece in a Latin/Rock style loaded with contrast then look no further. This Grade 3 work has a frolicking syncopated mid-section sandwiched between a mellow intro and outro to portray a day in the life of a dolphin pod. Your students and audience alike will enjoy the musical imagery created in this unique jazz composition.

Genre: Jazz Ensemble | # of Players: Standard
Series: Emerald Jazz Series
Level: 3 | Duration: 3:30

Instrumentation
Flute [optional]
Alto Saxophone 1
B-flat Clarinet 1 [optional]
Alto Saxophone 2
B-flat Clarinet 2 [optional]
Tenor Saxophone 1
Tenor Saxophone 2
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
B-flat Trumpet 4 [optional]

Trombone 1
F Horn 1[optional]
Trombone 2
F Horn 2 [optional]
Trombone 3
Trombone 4 [optional]
Tuba [optional]

Electric Guitar
Piano
Electric Bass
Drum Set
Congas

Program Notes
This unique programmatic jazz composition starts and ends with a slow legato section in a feeling of 2 (half note = 48), representative of the calm start and end of the day for a pod of dolphins. In contrast, the middle section of the piece is in an energetic Latin/Rock style with a feeling of 4 (quarter = 96) to capture the frolicking dolphins “flying” out of the water during midday. A suggested written solo is provided for Alto 1 but there are also chord changes with a repeated section to allow for expanded improvised solos. It is scored for standard jazz instrumentation with carefully notated rhythm section parts. The independent and syncopated rhythmic patterns can be challenging but their repetition and moderate ranges for this level make the piece very attainable.