The Jazz Ensemble Companion: A Guide to Outstanding Big Band Arrangements Selected by Some of the Foremost Jazz Educators

For music educators, jazz ensemble directors, and arrangers, Caniato (music and jazz band, Fitchburg State College) presents and analyzes 67 jazz arrangements recommended by 18 high school, college, and professional jazz band directors from the US. Organized alphabetically, arrangements include information on instrumentation, ranges, playability, level, form and texture, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic material, solos, performance aspects, and technique highlights, with musical examples, chord progressions, and chart outlines. Ten indexes organized by musical features such as tempo, key, and style, aid instructors in selecting repertoire. Other indexes are by title, composer, arranger, grade, and date. He does not include performance aspects, or historical, anecdotal, or biographical information. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Michele Caniato is an active composer, conductor, and educator. He has been directing jazz ensembles since 1991 and is associate professor of music at Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts.