Hunting Wabbits 2 (A Bad Hare Day): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Goodwin's command of big band writing shines in this arrangement: the groove locks immediately, the solo space feels earned rather than obligatory, and the instrumental flexibility means you can actually program it with your available players rather than forcing a standard lineup. The humor in the title reflects real sophistication in the orchestration, never sacrificing musicianship for laughs.

Funky and propulsive, with a playful attitude that never winks at the audience. The straight-eighths groove carries everything forward, while the orchestration ranges from wry to swinging, keeping ensembles engaged and audiences entertained.

Advancing jazz ensembles with solid reading skills and players ready to tackle stylistic nuance. This score demands ensemble discipline and individual musicianship in equal measure, making it ideal for programs that have moved beyond foundational material and want to reach toward repertoire that gets performed at real jazz venues.

• Lock the rhythm section into that straight-eighths feel early; once the pocket is set, the rest of the band will sit naturally on top of it.
• Give your soloists room to breathe during their features. Goodwin leaves space for interpretation, so encourage players to make their moments personal.
• Balance the optional string parts carefully if you use them; they should shimmer underneath, never dominate the saxophone section.
• Mark those woodwind doubles in advance so your saxophonists know when they're switching instruments and can plan their setup accordingly.

This arrangement works beautifully as a second-half centerpiece on a jazz concert, especially when paired with ballads that showcase different colors. The recorded version by Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is also an invaluable reference for understanding how the parts interact and where the energy should land.

• Comping behind soloists in a funk-influenced jazz setting
• Reading and executing straight-eighths feel versus swing interpretation
• Managing instrumental doubles across the saxophone section
• Balancing sectional blend when optional string parts are included
• Navigating flexible instrumentation without losing ensemble cohesion