Horn of Puente: E-flat Baritone Saxophone
By Gordon Goodwin / arr. Mike Story
Grade: 1 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0017242_BTX
$3.00
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Description
Originally composed by Gordon Goodwin for his Big Phat Band, this one is scored for the easy level by Mike Story. This Latin cha-cha is very accessible, with a written trumpet 1 solo, a montuno piano part that's cued in the saxes, an optional auxiliary percussion part, and a vibes part. Mike even included additional percussion parts for some winds to further enhance the Latin groove. You'll love it! 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, Horn of Puente: E-flat Baritone Saxophone comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
First Year Charts for Jazz Ensemble
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
68
SKU:
00-PC-0017242_BTX
More about this title
About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin
Gordon Goodwin began composing at five years old, writing complete pieces rather than fragments. By thirteen he had already created his first big band chart, Hang Loose, signaling the compositional gifts that would define his career. His work has earned three Emmy Awards and multiple Grammy nominations across television, film, and concert music. He has scored films including Bad Boys II, Con Air, Remember the Titans, and Star Trek: Nemesis, and written for artists ranging from Christina Aguilera to Ray Charles to Quincy Jones.
Since founding Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in 2000, he has established himself as one of jazz's most prolific and celebrated voices. His ensemble's debut album, Swingin' for the Fences, made history as the first commercially available DVD audio release and earned two Grammy nominations. He has conducted with major symphony orchestras across North America and Europe, bringing his gifts as composer, arranger, and performer to stages worldwide.
Why we love this
Mike Story's easy-level arrangement captures the infectious energy of Goodwin's original without overwhelming young players. The written trumpet 1 solo gives soloists a clear model to follow or adapt, while cued parts and optional auxiliary percussion mean you can scale the complexity to your ensemble's abilities. This is how Grade 1 jazz should sound: groovy, achievable, and genuinely fun to play.
What to expect
Tropical and propulsive. The cha-cha groove sits somewhere between relaxation and forward motion, driven by a montuno that locks you into the pocket. Goodwin's original arranging DNA shows through Story's adaptation: smart voicings, clear lines, and an irresistible groove that makes young players sound more sophisticated than they might expect.
Who it's for
First-year jazz ensemble students and conductors building a program on accessible, stylistically rich repertoire. Players need basic jazz phrasing and rhythm section fundamentals but not advanced harmonic knowledge or extended soloing experience.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the montuno piano part early in rehearsal. Even though it's cued in the saxes, this Latin heartbeat drives everything. Have your rhythm section nail it before adding the front line.
- Use the optional auxiliary percussion parts to deepen the Latin feel without requiring a full percussion section. These cues give winds a chance to contribute to the groove beyond their melodic lines.
- Bring the trumpet 1 soloist in for private coaching on phrasing and dynamics. The written solo is a launching point; encourage interpretation that reflects the player's own voice.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener to establish energy and draw the audience in. It also works well alongside other Latin or funk-based charts in the same concert, or as a standalone feature for a jazz assembly or pep rally. The accessibility and infectious groove make it ideal for mid-year programming when your ensemble has settled into fundamental ensemble skills.
Skills your students will build
- Cha-cha and Latin rhythmic patterns, including the characteristic montuno
- Jazz phrasing and articulation in a Latin context
- Reading and executing written solos with stylistic awareness
- Ensemble balance between groove-based rhythm sections and melodic lines
- Collaboration with optional percussion parts for layered texture