MILWAUKEE — Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements has launched Essential Elements Latin Jazz: A Comprehensive Introduction to Afro-Latin Styles, Part 1, a new method designed to bring Afro-Latin musical traditions into Grade 3 band classrooms.
Created by educators and performers Michael Philip Mossman and Michele Fernández, the flexible method is written for four horns plus rhythm section and can be used by groups ranging from small combos to full jazz bands.
The curriculum covers rhythm-section fundamentals, stylistic techniques and performance practices across eight styles: cha-cha-chá, bolero, bossa nova, samba, son montuno, mambo, Afro-Cuban 6/8 and rumba.
The method includes eight performance charts, style-specific exercises, sample written solos and online demo recordings for each exercise, chart and solo. Full-band and rhythm-section-only tracks are available by QR code.
“Music education is at its best when students are learning through music that inspires them, challenges them, and connects them to the broader musical world,” said Scott Harris, Hal Leonard’s head of education publishing. “Essential Elements Latin Jazz brings authentic Latin jazz styles into the ensemble setting in a way that is accessible to teachers and meaningful for students, while building the musicianship and performance skills they need to grow.”
The method is available through Hal Leonard and music retailers.
For more information, visit halleonard.com.
