Gaining On You: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Goodwin writes for jazz ensembles with the structural sophistication and cinematic detail he brings to film scoring. Gaining On You delivers accessible virtuosity at the professional level, giving advanced groups material that sounds both contemporary and deeply grounded in big band tradition.

Propulsive and contemporary, anchored by the kind of effortless swing that comes from meticulous arrangement craft. The piece moves with cinematic momentum while maintaining the intimate interplay and textural variety that defines modern big band jazz.

Professional and advanced amateur jazz ensembles capable of executing sophisticated voicings and navigating complex section writing. This score rewards groups with strong independent section leadership and a commitment to rehearsal depth.

• Establish the groove in sectional rehearsals before assembling the full band; the rhythm section's pocket determines everything downstream.
• Balance the dynamic range carefully in heavily orchestrated passages so featured soloists can cut through without drowning out ensemble fills.
• Mark your own articulation preferences early and communicate them uniformly across like sections to maintain cohesion in rapid ensemble figures.

Schedule this as a centerpiece for a jazz-focused concert where you want to showcase ensemble maturity and contemporary repertoire. The professional-level writing pairs well alongside classics from the standard jazz curriculum, demonstrating how the tradition continues to evolve.

• Executing sophisticated jazz voicings across multiple section combinations
• Responding to rapid dynamic and textural shifts in complex charts
• Balancing solo clarity with ensemble accompaniment texture
• Maintaining rhythmic precision through intricate section parts
• Interpreting idiomatic jazz articulation and phrasing across a full ensemble