Higher Ground: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Stevie Wonder / Arranged by Mike Tomaro
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00172040
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Ground - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $10.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trumpet 4 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Trombone 4 | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Piano | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Bass | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Drums | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - C Solo Sheet | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Bb Solo Sheet | $6.00 | |
| Higher Ground - Bass Clef Solo Sheet | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
From Stevie Wonder's acclaimed "Innervisions" album from 1973, this infectious funk tune has been covered by a variety of artists over the years and found its way into several movies. With a distinctive rock shuffle groove and memorable riffs, Mike Tomaro has transformed this into a sizzling version for jazz ensemble.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00172040
More about this title
About the Composer: Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder emerged as one of the most influential songwriters and musicians of the 1970s, crafting sophisticated pop and funk compositions that combined complex harmonic structures with irresistible grooves. His work as a multi-instrumentalist and producer shaped the sound of contemporary music, and his compositions have become standards in jazz and popular music education alike.
Wonder's ability to blend social consciousness with infectious musicality made albums like "Innervisions" essential listening. His songs have been adapted across countless genres and educational settings, proving that great melodies and rhythmic concepts transcend their original context and inspire musicians across skill levels.
Why we love this
Mike Tomaro captures the essence of Wonder's original while giving it a modern jazz ensemble voice that feels fresh without losing the funk's soul. The grade 4 level is thoughtfully pitched: the arrangement respects the tune's groovy bones while offering substantial instrumental voicings that reward solid ensemble playing. Your students will connect immediately to the infectious energy, and audiences will recognize it instantly.
What to expect
Infectious and propulsive. The rock shuffle sits comfortably in the pocket, inviting the ensemble to lock into a single groove that feels both natural and energetic. The memorable hooks catch your ear immediately, while the orchestration around them creates a sense of forward momentum that keeps listeners engaged from beginning to end.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors looking for a crowd-pleaser that works for concert programming, pep events, or adjudicated performances. Students familiar with Wonder's work and ready to learn how a modern arranger translates funk energy into big band colors will thrive with this chart.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rock shuffle groove locked in the rhythm section from the downbeat; this tune lives and dies on pocket, so prioritize feel over tempo precision.
- Highlight the memorable riffs through clear articulation in the section playing them; let them breathe with confidence rather than rush.
- Balance the ensemble dynamics so the head remains conversational and doesn't overpower the groove that carries the piece.
- Encourage soloists to respond to the groove rather than fight it; space and restraint will serve the funk better than maximum density.
How to use it
Open a concert with this to energize the room, or place it as a mood shifter in the middle of a set after exploring more traditional jazz fare. It works equally well as a standalone feature or paired with other funk or contemporary jazz arrangements to show how different eras of music inform modern ensemble writing.
Skills your students will build
- Locking and maintaining a rock shuffle groove
- Balancing riff-based ensemble playing with forward momentum
- Reading and executing funk-influenced syncopation
- Responding to and supporting improvisational soloists
- Maintaining articulation clarity across jazz idioms