This piece was commissioned for the 2007 Wisconsin State Honors jazz ensemble, so the title is especially appropriate. (Cabeza de queso translates to "cheese head. ") There is a warm introductory chorale by the winds which leads to the samba groove of the chart. You'll need a solid piano player for the most effective performance of this piece, and there is also an important percussion part that complements with the drum set. Fred provides extensive ideas for improvisation for your alto soloist, but tenor, trumpet or vibes may be substituted if an alto improviser is not available. (Trumpet 1 to written D, Trombone 1 to B-flat. The written sections of the piano part may be doubled with vibes or marimba. ).
