Burritos to Go: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

López writes Latin rock with real groove without overcomplicating the ensemble writing. The written solos for alto and baritone sax give your section players a chance to shine in a structured way, while the G above the staff for lead trumpet keeps the exciting high moment achievable for Grade 2 players.

Upbeat and propulsive. The Latin rock groove carries the chart forward with infectious energy, and the written solos give the ensemble moments of personality and individual voice within the larger ensemble texture.

Jazz ensembles at the high school or upper middle school level looking for a straightforward Latin rock that reads cleanly and sounds exciting. Directors programming a concert need something that gives students real performance success without requiring virtuosic chops.

• Balance the rhythm section so the clave feel comes through clearly; the groove won't land if the drums and bass are pushing too hard.
• Work the sax solos separately in sectional rehearsals first. Even though they're written out, they need to breathe as solos, not sound like tutti passages.
• Check your lead trumpet player's comfort with the high G well before the performance. It's within reach at this level, but it benefits from extra confidence building.
• Keep the medium tempo consistent. Latin rock loses its pocket when conductors let it drag or rush.

Slot this into a jazz concert as your opening number or as a palate-cleansing piece between ballads. It works especially well as part of a Latin jazz or world music themed set, and the manageable length makes it ideal for a pops concert or informal spring performance.

• Reading and executing clave rhythms and Latin jazz comping patterns
• Balancing written solo lines within ensemble texture
• Playing in the upper register with control (lead trumpet)
• Articulation and phrasing in a groove-based context
• Responding to Latin rock shuffle and syncopation