Test Pieces
TEST PIECES FOR THE 2026 NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ COMPETITON IN TAURANGA
- Combo Test Piece
‘Caravan’ by Tizol/Ellington
In this folder are the concert, Bb, Eb and vocal charts.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RKpYERcHZaUv9VhVTvcV3jRyJPJLfcaI?usp=drive_link
- Big Band Test Pieces
There are two Big Band Test Pieces to choose from based on your student’s ability. Choose one of the following:
Level 1 – Advanced Test Piece is
‘Basie Straight Ahead‘ by Sammy Nestico (eprint option)
https://www.jwpepper.com/basie-straight-ahead-543157-1187663/p
Level 2 – Intermediate Test Piece is
‘Until I Met You‘ (Corner Pocket) Arr. Mark Taylor (eprint option)
https://www.jwpepper.com/until-i-met-you-2475708-1588860/p
The melody in the A section is great for saxes to learn how to play with a good swing feel. The solo section between bars 37 – 69, could be repeated to have more solos if desired by any of the bands.
Here are some additional helpful resources for Music Directors for the 2026 test pieces:
- Below is an edited recording of Basie Straight Ahead, with the slight skip late in the original track removed, and also slowed down to 204bpm.
In addition: a new guitar chart, and a bass chart with chords added. These both have optional repeats for solos added in the first 12 bars (including an added first time ending with a II-V to take it back to the Cmaj in bar 1). Optional repeats have also been added at letter F for additional solos. Solo changes for alto sax, trumpet and trombone have been added. These repeats can easily be added to all of the other instrument parts. - For additional solos in Until I Met You (Corner Pocket) a repeat could be made from bar 69 back to bar 37. That would add an extra 32 bars, once through the whole AABA form. Alternatively, repeat from bar 69 back to bar 53 for an extra 16 bars, just the B and last A section.
( Our thanks to Paul Norman for his work on this).