Goin' off the Peep End: 3rd B-flat Trumpet

Berg nails the balance between accessibility and genuine fun. The rock groove sits naturally at the intermediate level, but the dynamic and textural variety throughout keeps players engaged and gives your section leaders real music to dig into. Solos for alto 1 and trumpet 2 mean more students get their moment in the spotlight.

A playful, high-energy chart that grooves hard in a rock pocket while making room for dynamic shifts and solo conversation. Despite the chicken-themed humor, the musicianship required is genuine, and the performance feels less novelty and more confidence.

Jazz ensembles at grades 2.5-3 looking for repertoire that entertains without sacrificing musicality. Directors who want their students to experience rock groove alongside traditional jazz vocabulary, and who value charts that keep everyone engaged.

• Lock the groove early. With the rock foundation at 132 BPM and the chicken theme working against type, clarity in the rhythm section from the first rehearsal helps the ensemble hear what makes the chart tick.
• Articulation and dynamics shape the humor. The contrasts throughout aren't just written in; they're what make this chart land with an audience. Give them weight.
• Let your soloists own their moments. The alto 1 and trumpet 2 solos are invitations for individual voices to emerge. Rehearse them separately so they feel confident enough to play with risk.

Program this as an energy boost in the second half of a jazz concert, or use it as an opening statement to set a lively tone. The 4:40 length and rock groove also make it a natural fit for pep assemblies or informal performance settings where you want to showcase your ensemble's range.

• Sustaining consistent groove in rock feel at moderate tempo
• Navigating dynamic contrast and textural variety within a single chart
• Solo construction and improvisation over a blues or rock changes
• Ensemble flexibility between funk/rock articulation and traditional jazz phrasing