Bulgaria: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Name: Bulgaria: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 01-ADV31205-1
Price: 15.95 USD
Availability: InStock

As Recorded by the WDR Big Band Cologne on Prism

By Peter Erskine / arr. Bill Dobbins

Item: 01-ADV31205-1

$15.95

Shipped

One moment…

This arrangement of Peter Erskine's "Bulgaria" is a real tour de force for the entire ensemble, and always brings the audience to its feet. It features solo space for trombone, soprano sax, piano (or optional vibes), and drums, as well as a wild and exciting section with five soprano saxophones in unison, reflecting the intense feeling of certain kinds of Bulgarian folk dances. Clarinet may be substituted for some of the sopranos, if necessary.

Bulgaria: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Request This Title

Tell us you want it.

Start Your Free Trial

Explore everything that's ready to play right now.

No sample pages found.

Bulgaria

No sample videos found.

Series: Advance Music

Publisher: Advance Music

SKU: 01-ADV31205-1

More about this title

About the Composer: Peter Erskine

Peter Erskine took up drums at age 4 and built a career spanning multiple musical worlds. He has performed and recorded with Weather Report, Steely Dan, the Yellowjackets, and artists ranging from Chick Corea to Diana Krall, accumulating over 700 album and film score credits. His Fuzzy Music label has documented his own trio work and special projects.

Eskine's influence extends to education and recognition. He taught at the University of Southern California for more than two decades and received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. In 2022, he was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame, adding to his two Grammy Awards and multiple nominations from Modern Drummer magazine's Jazz Drummer category.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

Bill Dobbins's arrangement captures the raw energy of Erskine's composition while creating genuine solo opportunities that let musicians shine individually. The unison soprano section delivers visceral excitement, and the piece reliably wins over audiences, making it a programming win when you need both artistic substance and crowd response.

What to expect

Bulgaria pulses with the restlessness of Balkan folk music translated into modern jazz language. The unison soprano section feels primal and anthemic, building to moments where individual soloists break free with spontaneity and virtuosity.

Who it's for

Advanced jazz ensembles with solid soloists in trombone, soprano sax, and piano, and a drummer comfortable trading. This is a performance piece for groups ready to showcase individual voices and tackle rhythmic complexity together.

How to get the most out of it

Clarify the soprano sax unison section in rehearsal by sectional work; lock the rhythm and articulation before bringing it to full tempo to nail the driving intensity.
Give soloists (trombone, soprano sax, piano/vibes, drums) space to develop their ideas in rehearsals separate from full ensemble run-throughs so they can build confidence with the changes.
Balance the soloists so they project clearly over the rhythm section; this isn't a background feature but a series of spotlights that demand presence.

How to use it

Close a jazz concert set with this piece to send the audience out energized and talking. It works equally well as a centerpiece that demonstrates ensemble prowess and individual musicianship in a single performance.