Great Big Ball with a Map Wrapped Around It

Great Big Ball has hints of 80's Brookmeyer in a chart that's approachable by advanced HS bands (and on up).  It has a medium feel-good vibe, a memorable melody, and paints with fairly broad brush strokes.

This is a a great vehicle for your bari or alto soloist over an infectious four-chord vamp. Your rhythm section can cut loose right along with the sax soloist.  Makes an excellent concert or festival opener.

The audio recording below was from a wonderful band I assembled based in Central PA. I'm playing the alto solo.

“Just about one of the happiest pieces of music you’ll ever hear.”

— Chris Merz, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa

4-5 mins

Composed by: Rick Hirsch

Arranged by: Rick Hirsch

Ensemble: Jazz Ensemble

Format: Conductor Score & Parts

Parts included:

• Alto Saxes 1 & 2 *
• Tenor Saxes 3 & 4 *
• Baritone Sax *
• 5 Trumpets
• 4 Trombones (incl. Bass Tbn.) 
• Guitar
• Piano
• Bass
• Drums
• * Includes extra sax parts, rescored for bari solo (download only).