APT. (arr. Roger Holmes): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Roger Holmes has crafted an arrangement that keeps the infectious energy and groove of the original while building in parts that sound genuinely satisfying for beginning jazz players. The Grade 2 scoring means your entire ensemble stays engaged rather than watching while soloists carry the weight. Students get to play a song they actually recognize and enjoy, which is remarkably effective motivation for learning jazz fundamentals.

The arrangement captures that satisfying pop-funk groove that makes you want to move, built on the kind of tight rhythmic precision and transparent orchestration that keeps things grounded. Bright and present without ever feeling slick or overproduced, it has the quality of a song your students will actually choose to listen to outside of rehearsal.

Jazz ensembles at the middle school or early high school level looking for contemporary material that connects with students while reinforcing fundamental ensemble skills. Directors seeking a piece that works equally well as a fun concert moment or as a tool to introduce non-jazz students to what ensemble jazz can sound like.

• Lock in the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsal. The track's appeal depends entirely on the ensemble feeling the groove together, so spend time on steady quarter-note subdivision and the specific articulation of the backbeat figures before tackling melodic material.
• Balance the vocal line against the accompaniment carefully. The melody needs to project with personality, but the groove underneath should never disappear or sound thin.
• Consider using the recorded accompaniment during performance if your ensemble lacks confidence. Building independence is important, but so is experiencing the groove with the original's energy intact.

Slot this between heavier concert works to provide energetic relief and audience connection. It also works exceptionally well as an opener that signals to the audience that jazz ensemble rehearsals involve contemporary music with real cultural weight, setting a more engaging tone for the remainder of the program.

• Steady groove playing and subdivision feel
• Rhythmic unison across the ensemble
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in a pop context
• Reading simple jazz notation and swing interpretation