Don't Steal My Stuff: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Goodwin writes for high school jazz ensembles with the sophistication and energy that comes from decades of scoring for film and leading his own big band. Don't Steal My Stuff balances genuine musical substance with accessibility; the Grade 3 level and moderate tempo let developing musicians play something that feels genuinely funky and professional without drowning in technical complexity. The feature for trumpet 1 and trombone 1 gives your section leaders a chance to shine together, which builds ensemble camaraderie while keeping the chart engaging for everyone on the stage.

The piece has an irresistible groove rooted in funk and modern big band writing. Goodwin's signature style delivers punch and swagger; the melody duet between trumpet and trombone feels like two voices having a musical conversation over a propulsive, funky foundation.

Jazz ensembles at the high school or community college level looking for repertoire that features their trumpet and trombone sections without requiring advanced technical chops. Directors seeking a chart that sounds polished and contemporary while remaining within reach of developing musicians will find the Grade 3 difficulty and straight-ahead funk approach approachable.

• Lock into the groove by establishing the rhythmic pocket clearly in rehearsals; at 160 BPM, precision in the rhythm section pays immediate dividends in how the whole ensemble sits.
• Shape the trumpet and trombone duet with dynamic contrast; Goodwin writes these parts to trade and intertwine, so highlight the call-and-response nature through deliberate phrasing rather than playing both lines with identical weight.
• Give the solos room to breathe and respond to the ensemble; rehearse them separately so soloists understand the harmonic landscape, then integrate them back into full ensemble takes to build conversational energy.

Open a concert with this chart to set an upbeat, contemporary tone that appeals to audiences while showcasing your ensemble's polish and swing feel. It pairs well alongside other mid-grade jazz standards or as a standalone feature that lets your trumpet and trombone players take a well-deserved spotlight.

• Trading melody between trumpet and trombone in unison and harmony
• Executing funky articulation and rhythmic precision at moderate tempo
• Comping and responding to soloists in a groove-based ensemble context
• Balancing dynamic contrast between featured soloists and ensemble background parts