Happy Birthday (Big Band)
Here’s a hard-swinging arrangement of Happy Birthday To You for your big band, with built-in space for a strong intro, then some hip underscore for your intro of the birthday person, some backgrounds for a solo vocal chorus of HBTY, then a quick key change to the audience participation chorus. Rhythm section parts include slashes, lead trumpet has a high G at the end, but can sub a D if necessary.
Jack The Attack Cat (Big Band FLEX or Combo)
I’ve written a few “flex” charts recently, and Jack The Attack Cat seems to be a favorite. It’s a great choice for a developing combo, or a band with reduced or unusual instrumentation. It’s written for 4 “horns” (which could be and traditional “jazz” instruments, other woodwinds, strings, guitars) and rhythm section. Rhythm section parts are fully notated, ranges are very conservative, rhythms are well within the abilities of younger players, and the solo sections (there are two) are both hip and accessible.