Ensemble Sizing

Our classification of ensembles is as follows:

• Big Band: Any ensemble with 10 or more horn parts (13 being typical)
• Little Big Band: Any ensemble with 6 to 9 horn parts (7 being typical)
• Combo: Any ensemble with 5 or fewer horn parts (3 being typical)

For larger ensembles, we present instrumentation information in a compact, standardized format. For example, a chart may be described as being for 3(ATB)/2/2/PGBD. Here's how to interpret this information:

• The first number gives the number of saxophones in the ensemble. The series of letters in parentheses lists the composition of the saxophone section. S stands for soprano, A for Alto, T for Tenor, B for Bari, and C for clarinet. In this example, there are three saxophones, of which one is an alto, one is a tenor, and one is a baritone.
• The second number gives the number of trumpets in the ensemble. In this example, there are two trumpets.
• The second number gives the number of trombones in the ensemble. In this example, there are two trrombones.
  
• The series of letters at the end gives the composition of the rhythm section in the ensemble. P stands for piano, G for guitar, B for bass, D for drums, and V for vibraphone. Don't fret if your ensemble's rhythm section instrumentation isn't an exact match -- most of our charts will still sound great with a missing piano or guitar.

Mutes and Doubles

Every chart that requires mutes and/or doubles has this information clearly listed on the right side of the product information page. Please take careful note of these and plan according to the capabilities of your ensemble.

Alternate Parts

We at Lindley Park Music understand that no two ensembles are exactly alike in instrumentation capabilities. We therefore make a concerted effort to provide certain charts with one or more alternate parts. Generally speaking, we provide these alternate parts whenever doing so will significantly increase the number of groups who can play a chart "out of the box" without compromising the integrity of the composer's vision. For example, if a chart has a woodwind part that calls for an exotic double like alto flute, we will make our best effort to include an alternate part with a more accessible double.

Another area in which alternate parts are very common is for our combo charts. There is a dizzying array of variety possible in combo instrumentation, and we therefore try to include at least one alternate option for each horn. Every combo chart has every alternate part carefully listed, and the few combo charts that do not include alternate parts are clearly marked.

Please note that alternate parts are not included in the scores provided! In most cases, the scores provided are transposed. If a score is in concert pitch, this is clearly marked on the chart's product description page.