Burritos to Go: E-flat Baritone Saxophone

Lopez writes for real ensembles with real time constraints. The Latin rock idiom gives your students permission to swing, lock into a groove, and experience the joy of driving a chart together. The written sax solos and the high trumpet line create natural soloist opportunities, yet the arrangement remains cohesive and exciting even when solos are played as written.

Upbeat and street-level accessible, like Latin rock radio played through a jazz lens. The written solos give it personality and spontaneity, while the driving rhythm section and crisp horn lines keep the energy high and focused.

Grade 2 jazz ensembles ready to explore contemporary styles beyond straight swing. Your students should have basic jazz articulation and section alignment skills in place, though this chart will reinforce those fundamentals while introducing Latin rhythmic feel.

• Lock the rhythm section (drums, bass, piano) on the groove before adding horns. A solid foundation in the Latin rock pocket transforms the entire chart.
• Give the alto and baritone saxophonists time to own their solos. Whether they improvise or play as written, these moments deserve attention and support from the section.
• Watch the lead trumpet's high G line carefully in rehearsal. Mark any intonation trouble spots early and build confidence before performance.
• Let the medium tempo breathe. Resist the urge to rush the groove; the chart swings harder when it sits comfortably in the pocket.

Use this as a centerpiece in a concert that showcases your ensemble's range across jazz styles. It pairs well with straight-ahead swing standards and gives audiences a familiar, energetic touchstone before moving into more challenging repertoire.

• Latin rock rhythm articulation and swing feel
• Soloing and improvisation (or confident execution of written solos)
• Tight rhythm section ensemble playing and groove lock
• Reading and executing high register passages (lead trumpet)
• Saxophone section blend and phrasing in a contemporary idiom