I Gotta Funk, Buddy: Brass Quintet Conductor Score & Parts

The piece opens with sophisticated restraint, letting you settle into a cool, detached groove before suddenly throwing open the doors to full funk energy. Throughout, there's a sense of playfulness without losing harmonic richness or rhythmic precision. The result feels like a conversation between classical brass writing and a genuinely funky sensibility.

Brass quintet directors seeking contemporary repertoire that works for both concert programs and festivals. Players should be comfortable with the technical demands of mute work and solo passages, making this ideal for intermediate to advanced ensembles.

• Balance the opening Harmon mute texture carefully. The trumpets should cut through without overwhelming the lower brass, and this matters most when the funk theme enters. Spend rehearsal time on blend before worrying about tempo.
• Let the first trumpet solo breathe. This is their moment to stretch, and the best performances give the soloist room to interpret the groove rather than locking rigidly to the accompaniment.
• If you include the optional drummer, treat the 3-7 bar solo as a true conversation with the brass, not a spectacle. The ensemble should support the energy the drummer creates, listening actively and responding.

Program this mid-set to break the energy of a heavier repertoire run, or use it as a finale for audiences who respond to contemporary and popular-influenced music. The optional drums make it flexible for festivals where percussion support may vary, and the solo opportunities give programming flexibility for your strongest players.

• Harmon mute articulation and intonation control
• Funk rhythm interpretation and groove locking
• Solo phrasing and musical communication
• Ensemble balance with varied timbral textures
• Optional: drum and brass ensemble interaction