We Three Kings (5-Part Flex)

Description

Stempien & Turner, SpectraFlex Jazz Series

This 5/4 presentation of We Three Kings is arranged in the style of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.” Modern jazz harmonies throughout are built on both open fourths and traditional thirds with upper extensions. Students will have the opportunity to study standard jazz articulations and rhythms as well as idiomatic chord voicings. The solo section includes a suggested written solo, with Dorian key centers notated for students who are ready to improvise

The SpectraFlex Jazz Series
Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 to face the reality of socially distancing within our ensembles and to, therefore, create jazz ensemble literature that could be performed by a varied combination of instruments, the SpectraFlex Jazz Series has serendipitously filled a void in our catalog. This series for adaptable jazz ensemble features 5 parts plus drums across the pitch spectrum of a traditional ensemble. Each part is transposed for multiple instruments, allowing for a great deal of flexibility.Whether we are in a global crisis or normal times, there are ensembles around the world that do not have access to all of the instruments in traditional jazz ensemble music. This series is the perfect remedy. It is filled with pieces that have been adapted from existing works in our catalog as well as ones that were written specifically for the series by composers at the height of their craft.

Grade: 4