Backrow Politics Cover Image

Backrow Politics: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

$48.00 USD
Sale price  $48.00 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
Backrow Politics Cover Image

Backrow Politics: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Trumpet Section Feature

By Gordon Goodwin / arr. Peter Blair

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-40349

makemusic Cloud badge

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version
$48.00
Shipped

One moment…

Description
A trumpet section feature with a straight-eighth groove. This chart was adapted for young players from Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band chart and it sizzles, yet is accessible. Available written trumpet solos for all four parts and the 1st trumpet range to written G on top of the staff. An exciting chart for sure! (4:23) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Backrow Politics: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Young Jazz Ensemble
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 102
UPC: 038081452593
SKU: 00-40349

More about this title

About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin began composing at five years old, writing complete pieces rather than fragments. By thirteen, he had already completed his first big band arrangement, "Hang Loose," signaling the exceptional talent that would define his career. His work has earned three Emmy Awards and Grammy nominations across television, film, and recording projects including Bad Boys II, Star Trek: Nemesis, and collaborations with artists from Christina Aguilera to Ray Charles.

As founder and leader of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band since 2000, Goodwin continues to push the boundaries of modern big band jazz. His ensemble's debut album made history as the first commercially available DVD audio release and earned two Grammy nominations. He has conducted major symphony orchestras across North America and Europe, cementing his reputation as one of jazz's most versatile and accomplished voices.

Why we love this

This adaptation captures the infectious energy of Goodwin's original Big Phat Band sound without overwhelming young players. The straight-eighth groove and trumpet section features give students the satisfaction of playing genuinely exciting jazz while staying well within Grade 2 accessibility. Peter Blair's arrangement proves that young ensembles don't have to choose between sounding professional and being playable.

What to expect

The straight-eighth groove propels the piece forward with energy and swagger. Trumpet voices trade off and weave together with infectious confidence, creating a sound that feels utterly professional while remaining grounded in what young players can handle.

Who it's for

Jazz ensemble directors leading Grade 2 groups who want their students to experience the thrill of playing a chart that sounds polished and contemporary. Young trumpet players benefit especially from the feature writing, which gives each voice its own solo moment. Any ensemble seeking material that balances authentic groove with technical accessibility.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock in the straight-eighth feel early in rehearsal. This groove is the backbone of the chart, so isolate the rhythm section and establish the pocket before adding full ensemble.
  • Balance the trumpet solos carefully across the four parts. Each player gets a moment to shine, so rotate spotlight rehearsals to build confidence in every section member.
  • Emphasize articulation clarity in the unison passages. Young players often rush or blur the attacks when playing together, so mark exact staccato and legit breathing points.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to help students internalize the groove and feel. Rehearsing against the actual track builds confidence and ensures proper tempo and style.

How to use it

Program this as a concert closer when you want to end on an upbeat, crowd-pleasing note. It pairs well alongside other contemporary jazz standards in a set focused on modern big band style. The four-minute duration and high-energy finish also make it ideal for jazz festival performances or pep rally appearances.

Skills your students will build

  • Straight-eighth swing feel and groove orientation
  • Section ensemble balance and blend across four trumpet parts
  • Solo playing confidence in a feature context
  • Reading and executing rhythmic precision in contemporary jazz style
  • Interpreting stylistic articulation and dynamic contrast

You May Also Like