High Maintenance: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

This adaptation captures everything that makes Goodwin's writing infectious—sophisticated harmonies, swinging rhythms, and memorable solo opportunities—without overwhelming your ensemble. Mike Story's arrangement respects the original's character while keeping the part writing clean and playable, which means your students get to perform a genuine Goodwin tune rather than a simplified version that loses its identity. Programming this signals that your ensemble plays real jazz, not just training exercises.

Energetic and hip without being overcomplicated. The groove swings, the melody pops, and the ensemble sections lock together with that big band swagger Goodwin is known for. Your students will recognize themselves playing actual jazz standards, not just exercises.

Beginning jazz ensembles that want to tackle real repertoire without frustration. Your musicians get written-out solos and manageable ranges (trumpet 1 tops out at written E, top space), so even younger players can sound professional. This works perfectly for jazz programs in their first or second year of study.

• Keep the swing eighths relaxed and behind the beat; this chart lives in the space between written and swung, so listen to the Goodwin recording to lock in the feel.
• Balance the written solos so they breathe as features, not just passages; give your alto, tenor, trumpet, and trombone soloists room to own their moments.
• Watch the ensemble punches for tightness; Goodwin's charts depend on precise rhythmic hits to land their humor and impact.
• Let the rhythm section anchor the groove; the foundation they build makes everything else sit better and gives soloists confidence.

Slot this into a jazz concert where you need a crowd pleaser that also showcases your ensemble's musicianship. It pairs well alongside other accessible big band standards and works equally well as a standalone feature or as part of a longer jazz set. Consider programming it mid-concert to build energy without overtaxing your musicians early in the set.

• Reading and executing swing rhythm (straight eighths vs. swung eighths)
• Playing written-out jazz solos with phrasing and articulation
• Balancing melody, harmony, and rhythm within an ensemble texture
• Responding to section punches and rhythmic precision
• Understanding jazz comping and groove-based accompaniment