Alianza: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Morales writes jazz charts that swing hard while remaining accessible to intermediate ensembles. The fusion of Latin and swing idioms gives your students exposure to two essential jazz languages within a single 3:29 package, and the featured written solo for 2nd trumpet (plus sections spotlighting the full band) ensures everyone has a moment to shine without overshadowing the ensemble sound.

Alianza swings with infectious momentum, the melody weaving between clave-based Latin grooves and crisp swing feels so smoothly that the seams disappear. High energy radiates from the brass writing, the rhythm section locks in tight, and the overall sound feels celebratory and polished, delivering the kind of crowd-pleasing moment that reminds everyone why they wanted to play jazz.

Jazz ensemble directors seeking a Grade 3 chart that authentically blends two styles without talking down to students. This works for intermediate to advanced high school jazz bands, college jazz ensembles looking for accessible repertoire with jazz credibility, and community jazz groups that want energy and accessibility in equal measure.

• Balance the 2nd trumpet solo carefully; it's written out, not improvised, so the player should shape it with jazz articulation while the rhythm section keeps the groove grounded and pushing forward.
• Lock the Latin and swing feels early in rehearsal by isolating the clave rhythm in the rhythm section, then layer the horn sections once that foundation is solid.
• Manage the lead trumpet's written A above the staff by assigning it to your strongest player and allowing extra time for that high passage to sit comfortably in the upper register.
• Let the optional percussion part breathe the Latin textures; if you use it, ensure the conga or timbales player knows both the Latin and swing sections well enough to shift the feel without losing the pulse.

Program this as a first-half closer on a jazz concert; its high energy and immediate appeal draw audiences in without requiring a long buildup. It also serves well as a feature for your 2nd trumpet section member or as a standalone chart that demonstrates your ensemble's stylistic versatility in a short concert set.

• Latin rhythm feels and clave-based comping in jazz contexts
• Transitioning between Latin and swing vocabularies within a single piece
• Executing written jazz solo articulation and phrasing
• Ensemble balance when all sections are featured prominently
• Leading in the high register (lead trumpet players navigating the written A above the staff)