Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Guitar Chords

Ralph Ford's adaptation proves that a great concept and infectious swing energy work at any level. The chart delivers the comedy and style your students crave without requiring Gordon Goodwin's advanced vocabulary, making it a genuine crowd-pleaser that doesn't sacrifice musicianship. Your ensemble will love learning a real chart with real swing feel, and your audience will remember this one.

Bouncy, cheeky swing energy with that classic big band feel. The orchestration sparkles with ensemble soli moments that let different sections shine, and the whole thing swings with a light, humorous touch that never feels silly or condescending. You're playing real jazz vocabulary, just without the high-wire act of improvisation.

Jazz ensembles at the Grade 2 level who are ready to tackle a real swing chart with section writing and ensemble cohesion demands, but don't yet have soloists prepared for trading or extended improvisation. This works for high school jazz bands, middle school select ensembles, and collegiate reading bands looking for fun repertoire with audience appeal.

• Lock the rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) around the swing feel before rehearsing the full ensemble; this chart rides on pocket and groove more than precision.
• Balance the section soli carefully so they cut through without overpowering the ensemble backgrounds; mark dynamic levels clearly in parts to prevent soloing sections from taking over.
• Work articulation consistency across the trumpet and trombone sections during the ensemble passages; tonguing style defines the character here.
• Keep the tempo steady throughout; at 3:35, this is long enough that rushes in uptempo sections will compound by the end.

Program this around Halloween or as a novelty closer on a jazz concert; the title and movie reference give you built-in audience engagement. It also works beautifully as a palette cleanser after a ballad or a more serious swing standard, showing your ensemble's range and versatility while keeping the energy up.

• Swing articulation and phrasing in section writing
• Reading and executing section soli parts
• Jazz ensemble balance and blend across brass sections
• Interpreting swing rhythms and feel within a structured chart
• Listening for and locking with the rhythm section