Give It One: E-flat Baritone Saxophone

Victor López and Anthony M. Falcone have preserved the infectious swagger that made this chart a Ferguson classic while scaling it intelligently for Grade 3 bands. Directors get a piece that genuinely energizes audiences without requiring advanced soloists or extreme ranges, making it a crowd-pleaser that actually works in rehearsal.

Bright, propulsive, and full of swagger. This chart sizzles with the kind of rhythmic drive and melodic confidence that Ferguson brought to every session, translating his big band sound into something a developing ensemble can actually deliver on the field.

Marching bands at Grade 3 level seeking a chart with genuine jazz pedigree and crowd appeal. This works for bands that want to move beyond standard fight songs and march staples without overstretching their ensemble capabilities.

• Establish a crisp, centered pulse in the section work; the groove depends on rhythmic precision across all parts, not just the rhythm section.
• Balance the trumpet line against ensemble figures so the melody cuts through without drowning out supporting voicings.
• Shape the dynamics in longer passages to avoid a static sound; Ferguson's writing thrives on forward motion and subtle intensity changes.
• Lock the brass attacks together, especially in syncopated figures, to capture the swagger and tightness the original demands.

Program this as a closer or near-closer to leave audiences energized. The two-minute duration and accessible Grade 3 scoring make it ideal for competition seasons or outdoor concerts where you want a high-energy jazz number that doesn't require an extended rehearsal investment.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing in a big band setting
• Maintaining groove and syncopation across the ensemble
• Balancing individual sections in a layered jazz arrangement
• Reading and executing the syncopated rhythms characteristic of Ferguson's style