iBop Sheet Music Preview

iBop: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By Mark Taylor

Grade: 4

Item: 35-PK00313647

Digital Download
$55.00

Parts Added to Cart!

Description
We all have our iPhones, iPads, and iPods, and now thanks to Mark Taylor we have "iBop"! This medium tempo swing tune is "bop-ish" in attitude and features a catchy riff-based melody stated first by the saxes. A flexible solo section allows for plenty of options, and the chart wraps up with a complete chorus beautifully crafted for the full ensemble.

iBop: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00313647

More about this title

About the Composer: Mark Taylor

Mark Taylor has built a reputation as one of the most prolific and respected composers for school jazz ensembles. His arrangements balance accessibility with musical substance, making him a go-to voice for directors seeking charts that sound sophisticated without demanding unrealistic technical demands. Taylor's gift for melody and his deep understanding of how student ensembles actually play shine through across his catalog.

Why we love this

Taylor captures the spirit of bebop attitude in a way that sits comfortably at Grade 4. The riff-based melody gives every section something memorable to sink their teeth into, and the flexible solo section means you can showcase your strongest improvisers without forcing contributions from students who aren't ready. The full ensemble finish provides a satisfying payoff that makes all the rehearsal time feel worthwhile.

What to expect

iBop lands somewhere between classic bebop sophistication and modern groove sensibility. The riff catches immediately and stays lodged in your ear long after rehearsal ends. There's joy in the swagger of this tune, a lightness that invites your ensemble to play with personality rather than just hitting notes.

Who it's for

Grade 4 jazz ensembles with at least a few students ready to take simple improvised solos. The flexible solo section makes this work whether you have one soloist or several wanting their moment. Any ensemble looking for a contemporary chart with real swing feel and contemporary references will connect with this.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the front-line saxophone section into the riff as a unit before adding any other colors. Precision here makes the whole chart swing.
  • Keep the tempo steady enough that your soloists can breathe comfortably over the changes. Medium swing should feel relaxed, not rushed.
  • Shape the ensemble chorus with dynamic intention. The beauty of that final chorus lives in how clearly you bring out the melodic line against the comping underneath.
  • Let the rhythm section sit in the pocket from day one. Their foundation determines whether this grooves or feels mechanical.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a concert opener or as your closing number when you want to send the audience out smiling. Pair it with a ballad and a straightahead blues to create a well-rounded jazz set that showcases both ensemble control and individual voices. The contemporary title makes it an especially strong choice for attracting student musicians who live in a digital world.

Skills your students will build

  • Swing eighth-note subdivision and articulation
  • Basic jazz improvisation over chord changes
  • Riff-based ensemble precision and phrasing
  • Listening and responding to rhythm section
  • Balancing individual voice with ensemble blend

You May Also Like