I've recently started using the A section of Costa Rican Jungle (watch the video on the media page) as an improv workshop piece that can be taught to the band by ear.

To simplify things a little more, and add a few more exciting solo backgrounds, I've made a written version of the chart.  The writing style allows a lot of freedom to make changes in performance, and also allows the band leader to play a big part in the production.  This music is available for sale to community big bands and high schools.  Due to the high printing costs (each musician reads from a full score to allow for the freedom of this style of writing) the final cost of the chart is $100 (Canadian).    Call me at 250-704-9972 to order.

One order of the chart includes:

15 Copies of the chart in the natural transpositions of the big band instruments

2 Copy of the chart transposed in F

1 Copy in Bb, Eb, Bass Clef Concert, and Treble Clef Concert

Using the different copies with every part transposed to a certain instrument, you can make some photocopies copies (allowed for this purpose) and have a choir of an instrument such as French Horn or Saxophone play this piece with a rhythm section.

Video: The Glenlyon Norfolk School band rehearsing Costa Rican Jungle for a festival:  Windows Media, RealPlayer

Video: The SwingShift Big Band on Saltspring Island playing a version of Costa Rican Jungle by ear (before the chart was written):  Windows Media, RealPlayer

Here is a preview of the first page of the chart