Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Shuffle-Swing Item: 42438 Price: $48.00
A strong melody and solid rhythmic groove are the cornerstones of this brilliant original from Mike Tomaro. The alternating swing and shuffle styles in this blues-oriented chart command the attention of every member of the band. Trombone and tenor take separate solos midway through, then near the end trade fours, then twos, then solo together; written lines are provided for soloists lacking adequate improvisation experience.
Series: First Edition Series
Grade: Easy Style: Swing Item: 42035 Price: $45.00
While Mike Tomaro is well known for his more challenging works, “Blues At The Gate” proves that he is equally adept at writing easy level charts. This straight ahead blues consists of a strong melody and very solid ensemble writing. An open solo section provides any player with the chance to work on their solo chops. Duration ca. 4:30.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Straight 8/8 Groove Item: 43106 Price: $56.00
Medium advanced groups will be glad to add this Mike Tomaro original to their library. This work features a straight 8ths groove in 3/2 which creates a unique setting for some great solo and ensemble playing. It will take some work, but the results will be well worth it. Duration ca. 6:45.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Latin Item: 43154 Price: $56.00
Designed for proficient jazz ensembles, this Latin original will make a great addition to your library. Medium advanced groups can feature their star tenor saxophonist, pianist, and guitarist on this Pat Metheny influenced composition.
Series: First Edition Series
Grade: Easy Style: Relaxed Swing Item: 42109 Price: $45.00
Here’s an easy level relaxed swing chart by Pittsburgh jazz composer and educator Mike Tomaro. As always, Tomaro’s writing is well-crafted, harmonically and melodically pleasing, and fun to perform. Aspiring jazz bands will find this a terrific concert or festival piece. As with all charts in this series, this piece can be played by 12-17 players. Duration ca. 5:00.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Moderate Twist Item: 43186 Price: $56.00
This curious medium advanced composition has brought the twist groove of the 1950s into the 21st century for big band! Duration ca. 5:48.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Brazilian Samba/Funk Item: 43173 Price: $56.00
Mike Tomaro has created one of the most interesting charts in recent years with this new medium advanced work that alternates between a Brazilian samba and a funk style. A strong melodic statement, and an exciting ensemble section leads to a soprano saxophone solo. A call and response between the trombones and the band adds an unique twist. Commissioned by the New Trier High School Jazz Ensemble in Winnetka (IL), James Warrick, Director. Duration 7:30.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Cha-Cha Item: 42605 Price: $48.00
This laidback cha-cha will cool off any program with its smooth groove and infectious melody. A written solo for first tenor is provided, but in his score notes Mike gives directors the option of extending the solo section if they wish.
Series: First Edition Series
Grade: Easy Style: Bossa Nova Item: 42197 Price: $45.00
This Latin bossa nova is ideal for bands at the easy level. The lyrical melody gives way to some exciting ensemble work that will make this a favorite of bands and audiences alike. Inspired by the Brazilian jazz standard, The Frog, written by João Donato, the melody is a simple but catchy one that is negotiable by less experienced players. This chart is playable by as few as 12 and as many as 17 players. Optional parts for flute, clarinet, horn in F, tuba, and vibes are also included. Duration ca. 3:30.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Style: Moderate Shuffle Item: 42646 Price: $48.00
This medium-level, straight-ahead shuffle will be a big hit with groups at many levels. For more experienced bands, solid ensemble writing and blues-based changes make it a great solo vehicle. For younger players, it’s a great chance to learn some of the most important rhythmic figures in jazz. Sheets with scales and sample solos are provided for all horns. Duration ca. 5:40
Series: Compact Disc
Item: 21257 Price: $15.00
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Up Swing Item: 43285 Price: $56.00
Commissioned by the Kentucky Music Educators' Association for its 2002 All-State Jazz Ensemble, the inspiration for this up-swing release comes from the music of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and Birdland, NYC's legendary jazz club. Though improvised solos are assigned to trumpet and trombone, chord sheets are included so anyone can serve as soloist. Mike's score calls for five trumpets, and the chart takes about six minutes from start to finish.
Series: Kendor Archive Editions
Grade: Advanced Style: Swing Ballad Features: Tenor Saxophone Item: 52613 Price: $75.00
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Latin Item: 43287 Price: $56.00
This challenging medium advanced Latin original hails from Mike Tomaro's extended work, Nightowl Suite, a musical account of a night in the life of the quintessential jazz fanatic. This movement finds our nocturnal fan going home as the city awakes for some much needed sleep after a night of listening to jazz. This movement can be played alone or programmed with the other two movements that were released last year on our Volume 23 demo recording. Duration ca. 11:30
Series: First Edition Series
Grade: Easy Style: Swing Item: 42260 Price: $45.00
Scored at the easy level, this minor blues chart is a tip of the hat to Oliver Nelson's immortal Stolen Moments. Set in a relaxed swing feel, developing players will benefit greatly from this well-written original. Scales and sample solos are provided for novice soloists.
Series: First Edition Series
Grade: Easy Style: Straight 8th Ballad Item: 42265 Price: $45.00
This even eighth note ballad from the pen of Mike Tomaro will provide a perfect change of pace on any program. The title captures perfectly the open, airy musical feel of this beautiful chart. Sensible ranges and creative scoring makes this chart accessible to easy level groups. This chart can be played by as few as 12 players. Duration ca. 4:30.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Style: Moderate Swing Item: 42773 Price: $48.00
This medium level composition is based on the chord progression to the Sonny Rollins’ jazz classic “Pent-Up House” and is presented in the medium swing style. Duration ca. 5:00.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Latin (Cha-Cha) Item: 42797 Price: $48.00
An irresistible cha-cha rhythm starts in the opening bar and never lets up in this great Latin tune at the medium easy level. The open written or ad lib solo section utilizes the two-chord vamp popularized by Benny Golson’s Killer Joe. Duration ca. 5:00.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Swing Item: 43374 Price: $56.00
Commissioned by the Pennsylvania Unit of IAJE for the 2000 All-State Jazz Ensemble, this ambitious chart features two open solo sections (one for brass, one for saxes), several dramatic modulations, and some solo trades between the drummer and band that'll bring the house down. The duration runs about 6:30, and supplements with chord changes for both open solos sections are included.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Advanced Style: Samba Item: 43375 Price: $56.00
Mike Tomaro’s Latin charts are well known for being challenging and exciting to play, and this sizzling samba for medium advanced groups is no exception. Trombone and guitar carry the soloing duties. Great melody, great ensemble writing, great chart! Duration ca. 8:30.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Swing Item: 42641 Price: $48.00
The title of this chart is a play on words referring to the Thad Jones classic, Mean What You Say. Written as a tribute to Thad, this is an accessible medium easy original set in a relaxed swing style and uses harmon and cup muted trumpets during the melodic statement for a nice texture with the saxes. Duration ca. 6:00.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Samba Item: 42813 Price: $48.00
Kendor is pleased to announce the release of this samba original through its exclusive distribution arrangement with Doug Beach Music. This medium easy level chart is an excellent introduction to the samba style. The composer state that once a basic understanding of the rhythms has been established, the piece poses few problems.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Metheny Bossa Item: 42815 Price: $48.00
Inspired by the music of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, this relaxed bossa casts piano in the primary solo role, with tenor sax taking a solo chorus midway through. Though the chart is relatively quiet, rarely rising above the mp dynamic level, a dramatic climax gives the band a chance to release its full power and energy. Originally recorded by Tomaro on Home Again (Positive Music PMD 78019-2), the scoring requirements are standard.
Series: Threshold Series
Grade: Medium Easy Style: Ballad Features: Alto Saxophone Item: 42837 Price: $48.00
Commissioned by Dr. John Bradley at Augusta State University (GA), this beautiful medium easy rock ballad will provide a showcase for your alto saxophone soloist. The rich voicings and unique harmonic structure provide wonderful support for the soloist. This chart will be a terrific change of pace choice for concert or festival. Duration 4:03.
Series: Jazz Ensemble Series
Grade: Medium Style: Driving Shuffle Item: 43493 Price: $56.00
A driving shuffle always lights up a program, and this medium-advanced chart from Mike Tomaro is no exception. Commissioned by the Inaugural Mountain Ridge Jazz Orchestra, it is similar in groove to the David Letterman Show theme. From the opening bar to the final chord, this one never lets up. There’s ample solo space, too. Duration ca. 5:35.