Africa (arr. John Wasson): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Toto / Arranged by John Wasson
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00430190
$55.00
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Description
Originally a #1 hit for Toto in the early '80s, and recorded again recently by the group Weezer, this powerful rock anthem features a distinctive groove and memorable lines. John Wasson has given it a contemporary spin while maintaining the feel and drive of the original.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00430190
More about this title
About the Artist: Toto
Toto emerged from the Los Angeles studio scene in the late 1970s, quickly establishing themselves as virtuoso musicians who could navigate rock, pop, soul, and funk with equal fluency. The band's 1982 album Toto IV became a cultural touchstone, anchored by "Africa," a track that showcased their ability to craft infectious grooves layered with sophisticated arranging. Their influence on contemporary pop and rock production remains substantial, particularly in how they demonstrated that commercial success and musical complexity need not be mutually exclusive.
Why we love this
Wasson's arrangement captures the hypnotic pocket that made the original irresistible while giving your ensemble the kind of contemporary material that actually energizes student musicians. The chart respects the source material's groove and structure, making it immediately recognizable to students and audiences alike, while opening up rewarding solo and section writing for your players.
What to expect
Propulsive and modern, with that distinctive Toto pocket that sits somewhere between funk and rock. The tune maintains its signature hypnotic quality, grounded in steady rhythmic momentum while melodic ideas drift across the ensemble like smoke, making it feel both energetic and cool.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want to program something current and engaging without sacrificing musicianship. This works equally well for bands seeking repertoire that bridges the gap between pop appeal and legitimate jazz arranging, or directors building a season that includes recognizable material alongside more traditional jazz standards.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the drum feel early in rehearsal; the groove is the foundation for everything else. If the rhythm section is floating, the whole chart loses its power.
- Emphasize the interlocking lines between sections. This arrangement likely features layers of rhythmic conversation that only come alive when each part maintains its own integrity while serving the collective pulse.
- Balance the ensemble sound so the distinctive melodic moments cut through. Grade 4 charts often ask for transparency; resist the urge to let dynamics overpower the lines that carry the identity of the tune.
How to use it
This works as a contemporary anchor for a pops or jazz concert, especially effective as a closer or as part of a set showcasing arrangements of recognizable hits. It also functions as motivation during the school year when you need student engagement; the familiarity factor means your players will arrive at the first rehearsal already invested.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining pocket within a fixed groove across multiple phrases
- Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures in ensemble context
- Balancing sectional independence with collective ensemble blend
- Interpreting contemporary rock and funk articulations on jazz instruments