In the Doghouse: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

$55.00 USD

In the Doghouse: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Name: In the Doghouse: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-JE4128
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Erik Morales

Grade: 2.5

Item: 98-JE4128

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Who says being in the doghouse is no fun? This phenomenal work fuses boogie-woogie and shuffle into a chart with a unique style and attitude. The opening piano groove grabs the listener and sets the pace for the entire work. A hot tenor solo (written or improvised) is backed by the ensemble and leads to an a cappella statement that really grooves. The ending shout chorus makes sure your audience knows that this is one doghouse with an open invitation to all!

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Series: FJH Developing Jazz Ensemble

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 674398220441

SKU: 98-JE4128

More about this title

About the Composer: Erik Morales

Erik Morales was born in New York City in 1966 and has built a prolific compositional career spanning classical, jazz, commercial, and educational music. Since his first arranging work for a high school marching band in 1985, he has published over 150 pieces across wind ensembles, orchestras, jazz groups, and chamber settings, with commissions regularly arriving from schools and organizations across the country. His educational philosophy consistently seeks balance between artistic merit and pedagogical value.

As a trumpeter, Morales has strengthened the brass repertoire considerably; his trumpet ensembles earned first place at both the 2006 and 2008 National Trumpet Competitions, and his Concerto for Trumpet in C and Piano premiered at the 2009 International Trumpet Guild conference. He studied composition at Florida International University and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette in 1989. In 2016, he was inducted into the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education's Hall of Fame, recognition of his sustained impact on the jazz education field.

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Why we love this

The groovy, unpretentious energy here makes this a standout in the Grade 2.5 jazz canon. Morales writes with a clear sense of what works in ensemble swing without sacrificing voice leading or clarity, and the a cappella moment gives your group a genuine stylistic showcase that stays with listeners. The balance between written structure and improvisation space means your soloists can own the tenor feature while the chart remains playable by developing ensembles.

What to expect

Confident and fun. The boogie-woogie foundation gives the piece swagger, while the shuffle elements keep it grounded in classic swing DNA. There's genuine style in the writing without pretense, and the arrangement feels like a conversation among friends rather than a formal statement.

Who it's for

Grade 2.5 jazz ensembles with developing rhythm sections and at least one capable tenor saxophonist. This works equally well for groups new to swing vocabulary and for ensembles ready to deepen their groove feel and solo experience.

How to get the most out of it

Lock the opening piano groove with your rhythm section first. This groove is the foundation of the entire piece, so get the comping and bass line tight before bringing in the horns.
Give the tenor soloist clear space and confidence. Whether the solo is written or improvised, the ensemble needs to lay back and support rather than compete for attention.
Shape the a cappella passage with dynamic control. This moment loses its power if you rush it; let the ensemble breathe together and lean into the groove without the rhythm section.
Bring full energy to the closing shout chorus. This is your invitation to the audience, so commit to the rhythmic precision and collective punch that makes the ending land.

How to use it

Open a jazz concert with this to set a relaxed, energetic tone, or place it mid-set as a palate cleanser before moving into ballad material. The approachable difficulty and audience appeal make it perfect for community performances or mixed-level festivals where you want a piece that both impresses and entertains.