George West Series
On this page, you will find compositions and arrangements by my friend and mentor George West for sale. The "Buy Now" buttons below will take you to the corresponding product on Sheet Music Plus for purchase. All publications are sold as downloadable PDFs.
Please note: Unless otherwise noted, the instrumentation for all big band compositions and arrangements is AATTB/4/4/4.
About George West
Trombonist and educator George West (1931-2013) was founder and head of the jazz program at James Madison University for 25 years, from 1971 until his retirement in 1996. He served as bass trombonist and arranger with the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note from 1953 until 1958, and performed with the Kai Winding trombone group from 1959 through 1960.
George completed his undergraduate degree at Oberlin Conservatory, and earned his masters and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He founded the jazz programs at both schools while he was a student. George also founded the jazz program at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Muskegon, MI) in 1971 and led that program through 2004. After his retirement from James Madison University, he relocated to Deland, Florida, and led the jazz program at Stetson University until his passing in 2013.
My thanks to George's family for allowing me to share his music with you. Enjoy!
All of Me
Here's a great up-tempo swing arrangement by George West on the standard tune All of Me for big band with female vocal. Solo space is provided for tenor sax and trumpet. This chart is great for both concert and dancing.
Grade: 3
Ranges:
- Trumpet: B5
- Trombone: A4
$60.00
Bossa for T.D.
Originally composed for jazz great Bill Watrous, Bossa for T.D. is a contrafact based on the chord changes to Tommy Dorsey's famous theme song. Scored for a full big band (5-4-4-4) plus trombone soloist, this chart begins in Bossa Nova style and changes to swing at the out chorus. It is accessable by a good high school or college jazz band.
Grade: 4
Ranges:
- Trumpet: Eb6
- Trombone: G4 (lead); Bb4 (solo - optional 8va on final phrase up to A5)
$50.00
Fall Fades Fast
Fall Fades Fast is a an up-tempo flag waver based on the chord changes to a famous standard about "autumnal foliage." The melody is played by alto sax and trumpet, and then both instruments have solo space. The exciting shout chorus will have your audience on its feet! This chart will be a great opener or closer for your concert or assessment program!
Grade: 4
Ranges:
- Trumpet: D6
- Trombone: Bb4
$50.00
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
If you are looking for a swinging addition to your holiday concert repertoire, George West's arrangement on Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is the chart you've been looking for! The melody is stated first by the trumpets, and the trombones take over at the bridge. Tenor sax has the solo, but there is an optional repeat for additional solos. This chart is one of my favorites, and it will have your audience tapping their toes!
Grade: 3
Ranges:
- Trumpet: D6
- Trombone: Bb4
$60.00
Spirit of 7 to 6
Spirit of 7 to 6 is a modal jazz tune by George West. Composed in the 1970s around the time of the American bicentennial celebration, the title also refers to meter changes between 7/4 (written as 4/4+3/4) and 6/4. Your soloists only need to know two scales to solo on this tune: C dorian minor and Ab mixolydian. Range and technical demands are moderate. After the statement of the melody, an open solo section leads to a sax soli, then a great shout chorus. If you are looking for a change of pace for your concert or assessment program, this is an excellent choice!
Grade: 3+
Ranges:
- Trumpet: C6
- Trombone: G4
$50.00
Steppin' Down
Are you looking for a change of pace for your concert or assessment program? Steppin' Down by George West is a beautiful swing ballad in the style of Count Basie's "Lil' Darlin," with harmonic nods to the ballads of Bob Florence. Lush and laid back, Steppin' Down will challenge your band to play in a gorgeous ballad style. Opening with a brief written piano intro, solo space for tenor sax and trumpet is also provided. A great shout chorus and restatement of the tune rounds out the chart.
Grade: 3
Ranges:
- Trumpet: B5
- Trombone: F4
$50.00