Hit the Bricks: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

$54.00 USD

Hit the Bricks: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Hit the Bricks: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-33371
Price: 54.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Gordon Goodwin

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-33371

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If you want to play Gordon Goodwin charts but they are too challenging, check this one out! Composed and arranged by Gordon, himself, specifically for middle or high school level, this funky chart is totally hot! Lead trumpet range is to written G on top of the staff, written-out solos are for alto, tenor, bari, trumpet, and trombone, along with backgrounds on cue, plus optional parts. This chart is very playable by a good middle or a high school jazz band. It's the Big Phat Band sound---but accessible for your band. Play it now! (4:45) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Hit the Bricks: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Jazz Band Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 116

ISBN10: 1-4706-5992-1

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5992-9

UPC: 038081379869

SKU: 00-33371

More about this title

About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin composed his first big band chart at thirteen and has never stopped. His writing career spans film and television (earning him three Emmy Awards and multiple Grammy nominations) as well as collaborations with world-class vocalists from Quincy Jones to Christina Aguilera. He has conducted major symphony orchestras across North America and Europe, bringing the same precision and energy to the podium that defines his compositions.

In 2000, Goodwin founded Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, establishing himself as both a bandleader and a voice for modern big band jazz. His albums have consistently earned Grammy recognition, and his arranging style balances sophistication with sheer musicality. When he writes for student ensembles, he brings the same craftsmanship and infectious energy that has defined his professional work.

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Why we love this

Goodwin knows exactly what middle and high school bands can do because he remembers being one. Hit the Bricks delivers the sophisticated ensemble writing and rhythmic drive his Big Phat Band is known for, but with ranges and solo demands that sit comfortably in the hands of developing musicians. Your band gets to sound genuinely professional without spending a semester on one chart.

What to expect

Funky, propulsive, and completely contemporary. Hit the Bricks grooves hard with a syncopated foundation and sharp ensemble hits that require precision without sacrificing joy. The tune moves with the confidence of a seasoned big band chart scaled perfectly for younger players.

Who it's for

Middle school and high school jazz bands looking for accessible Gordon Goodwin material without compromising on groove or musicality. The lead trumpet range and written solos are designed for developing musicians, while the full ensemble writing maintains the energy and sophistication that makes his work compelling.

How to get the most out of it

Lock the rhythm section early. The groove only works if drums, bass, and piano are synchronized; spend focused rehearsal time getting these three voices locked before layering the horns.
Emphasize the backbeat on the written backgrounds. The funk feel depends on crisp articulation and rhythmic confidence from the full ensemble, not just the rhythm players.
Balance the written solos carefully during rehearsal. Mark dynamics for each solo section so accompaniment players know exactly how far back to sit; this keeps soloists prominent without sacrificing ensemble cohesion.
Use the optional parts strategically. If your ensemble is smaller or developing, the optional parts let you maintain full voicings; if you have strong numbers, include them for additional color.

How to use it

Program this as a festival or contest selection where your band needs to make an immediate impression. The 4:45 length fits standard time slots, and the contemporary funk feel balances well alongside both straight-ahead standards and newer big band literature in a concert setting.