High Maintenance: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

High Maintenance is a masterclass in ensemble writing that demands real musicianship while rewarding the effort. Goodwin's sax soli alone justifies programming this piece; the challenge of executing those sections cleanly builds section cohesion in ways few charts can match. The constant buildup, multiple solo opportunities across the front line, and uncompromising arranging create something that plays as exciting as it is satisfying to prepare.

High Maintenance swings with sass and attitude, built on a shuffle groove that demands lockstep precision from the rhythm section. The continuous building intensity and hot sax passages create forward momentum that never settles; this is a chart that struts and commands the room from the first downbeat to the final punch.

This chart belongs in the hands of advanced jazz ensembles competing at festivals or performing in serious concert settings. Directors need a band with strong section fundamentals, solid soloists, and the endurance to maintain intensity through a demanding score. The Grade 5.5 difficulty is real; expect to invest significant rehearsal time in tuning the ensemble sound.

• Nail the shuffle groove before addressing solos. The rhythmic pocket determines whether this chart swings or stalls; lock the rhythm section first, then layer the ensemble.
• Balance the sax soli by sectional rehearsal. The voicing is dense and requires each part to claim its voice without forcing; mark dynamics clearly and listen for blend across the four parts.
• Let soloists hear the comp underneath. The piano, bass, and drums should rehearse independently of the solos to establish an organic pocket, then bring the ensemble in gradually.
• Build the climax progressively in rehearsal. Goodwin writes continuous development into this piece; conduct and shape each section's energy so the final statement lands with full impact.

Program this as a centerpiece in a festival competition set or concert closer where you want to showcase your ensemble's chops and versatility. The solo opportunities give audiences a chance to hear individual voices shine, while the ensemble passages demonstrate section strength and blend. This is the kind of chart that sticks in people's ears and builds your program's reputation.

• Executing complex ensemble sax voicings with precision and blend
• Maintaining consistent shuffle groove under changing harmonic textures
• Balancing solo improvisation against arranged backgrounds
• Reading dense, rapidly moving rhythmic figures and syncopation
• Building and sustaining intensity across extended phrase structures
• Responding to continuous compositional development and texture changes