Get in Line: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Goodwin's writing sits at the sweet spot between sophistication and playability. "Get in Line" delivers genuine big band punch and contemporary flavor without the extreme complexity found in many of his other charts, making it accessible to strong high school and college ensembles while still demanding musicianship and precision. The built-in flexibility (optional flute and clarinet, vibraphone part) lets you scale it to your ensemble's instrumentation without sacrificing the groove.

Modern, hip, and groove-centered. "Get in Line" bounces with the infectious energy of contemporary funk-influenced jazz; it's the sound of players locking in tight, trading solos with attitude, and executing crisp articulations together. The piece feels both polished and alive.

Advanced high school jazz ensembles, college jazz bands, and community big bands with solid reading skills and rhythmic confidence. This chart rewards musicianship and ensemble discipline; it's ideal for ensembles ready to handle contemporary big band writing and perform with the precision Goodwin's style demands.

• Establish the funk pocket early in rehearsal by isolating the rhythm section (drums, bass, piano) so they lock the feel before layering horn sections on top.
• Balance the soloists against the ensemble. Goodwin's voicings can swallow a solo if the dynamics aren't managed carefully; consider a slightly pulled-back ensemble during alto, tenor, trumpet, and trombone features.
• Pay attention to the recorded version by the Big Phat Band as a reference for articulation and phrasing. Goodwin's writing relies on crisp, unified tonguing and intentional space to achieve its modern character.
• Ensure vibraphone (if you include it) sits in the mix as color rather than melody carrier. Its shimmer works best when other voices are clearly defined.

Program this as a headline feature at a jazz concert or pops event where you want to showcase your ensemble's contemporary repertoire and technical ability. It pairs well alongside classic big band standards to show the evolution of jazz writing, or stand it alone as the modern anchor of a concert program.

• Funky rhythm section playing with accurate subdivision and pocket control
• Balancing precision articulation with groove and swing feel
• Solo confidence and trading spaces in a contemporary big band context
• Reading syncopated rhythms and modern harmonic language
• Ensemble blend within layered horn voicings
• Responding to and supporting featured soloists