But, to play a decent horn part, I need to have some music written out -- and tadpoles, not chords. There are some good (usually jazz) players who can play a decent part straight from their heads, but most non-written-out playing is not very good (mine included).

Maybe I am an anomaly, but I think not...

If you can supply the horn people with chord sheets, then send them away for a while to work out a part, then you may have something.

Yes, that is exactly what I can do, and I can give them recorded samples to fool around with at home as well. It's exactly the input I needed from someone with playing experience. My conclusion is that IF it CAN work out, great, If not, then we won't have a horn section-- simple as that.

Leadfingers, GREAT input, thanks.

~Susan