Bradley's Groove Shop: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Mark Taylor
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00181559
$55.00
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Description
Primarily scored for the entire ensemble with brief choruses for the saxes, this original shuffle really lives up to it's name and has a great feel. An open solo section gives you added flexibility and allows anyone in the band to be featured.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00181559
More about this title
About the Composer: Mark Taylor
Mark Taylor has established himself as a prolific composer and arranger for jazz ensembles, known for writing accessible yet engaging original material that connects with student musicians. His work balances strong compositional craft with practical classroom flexibility, making him a trusted voice in jazz education repertoire.
Why we love this
Taylor nails the shuffle groove with an arrangement that feels fresh without overwhelming young players. The open solo section transforms this from a through-composed piece into a real teaching tool for improvisation, and the brief sax choruses give you natural moments to spotlight section work.
What to expect
A modern shuffle with genuine swagger. The groove sits comfortably in the pocket, and the open solo section invites each player to contribute something personal to the arrangement. There's a lightness here, a sense of play, that draws from the best traditions of jazz education writing.
Who it's for
Grade 4 jazz ensembles ready to stretch beyond basic blues changes into original compositions with real rhythmic sophistication. This works equally well for developing ensembles that need confidence builders and advanced groups seeking repertoire with solo opportunities.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the shuffle feel early in rehearsal by having the rhythm section establish the pocket before layering in horns. This groove lives or dies on rhythmic precision.
- Use the open solo section to rotate soloists through the ensemble over several rehearsals. This removes the pressure of perfecting a single performance and encourages players to experiment.
- Balance the sax choruses against the full ensemble parts so they register as feature moments rather than dropping below the texture.
- Keep the energy consistent through the repeated groove sections. The "great feel" comes from conviction and pocket, not from pushing tempo.
How to use it
Pair this with a more straightforward blues head earlier in the concert to showcase how original composition builds on traditional jazz language. The flexible solo section also makes it ideal for a feature concert where you want to highlight individual student voices.
Skills your students will build
- Playing and maintaining a shuffle feel across full ensemble
- Reading and voicing jazz chord changes
- Trading solos and responding to other players in real time
- Distinguishing section backgrounds from solo spotlights in texture and balance
- Swing articulation and phrasing within an ensemble context