Good Time: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

John Wasson's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without losing the modern pop sensibility that makes this tune instantly recognizable to your students. The Grade 3 writing sits perfectly for developing ensembles who need memorable material that still demands solid rhythmic precision and section independence.

Bright, propulsive, and instantly radio-friendly. The arrangement pulses with the kind of rhythmic drive and melodic hooks that stick with listeners long after rehearsal ends, creating momentum that carries the ensemble through the piece.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level seeking contemporary repertoire that connects with student interests while reinforcing fundamental musicianship. Teachers who want to build ensemble cohesion through material that feels current and rewarding to perform.

• Lock the groove early in rehearsal by having the rhythm section establish the pocket before layering in written lines; this tune lives or dies by groove consistency rather than precision perfection.
• Balance the melody against the background texture so lead voices cut through without overshadowing the forward motion created by the accompaniment parts.
• Keep the tempo conversational and energetic; resist the urge to push faster, which will flatten the feel and wear out young players unnecessarily.
• Highlight the ear candy moments where Wasson gives the ensemble unison hits or call-and-response figures that make the arrangement pop without complicating the arrangement.

This works beautifully as a concert opener that energizes the audience immediately or as a closing number that sends students and listeners home smiling. It pairs well with other contemporary pop-jazz crossover material or can anchor a program focused on exploring how modern songwriting translates into the jazz ensemble context.

• Maintaining steady groove and feel in a rock-influenced style
• Balancing solo melodic lines with ensemble accompaniment textures
• Reading and executing rhythmic figures common to contemporary pop arrangements
• Listening across sections to maintain cohesion in a straightforward harmonic framework