In the Stone: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

López captures the infectious groove and energy of the original without oversimplifying the arrangement, giving your ensemble real musical meat to sink their teeth into. The funky character is instantly engaging for students, which means they'll practice harder and perform with genuine enthusiasm.

Funky, wild, and built on relentless groove. The arrangement pulses with the swagger of the Earth, Wind & Fire original while giving your ensemble room to swing and breathe together. Expect your students to hear this arrangement and want to perform it immediately.

Jazz ensemble directors working with Grade 4 students who are ready for rhythmic complexity and stylistic nuance. This arrangement rewards ensembles that have solid section fundamentals and can tackle contemporary jazz repertoire with confidence.

• Lock the rhythm section first. The pocket in this tune is everything; once your drums, bass, and piano lock together, the horns and reeds will sit naturally into the groove.
• Articulation matters significantly in the horn sections. Clean, synchronized tonguing on the funky passages keeps the arrangement's character sharp and defined.
• Balance the ensemble so the bass line cuts through clearly. In a funk tune, the low end drives the energy, and students need to hear it as a leader, not just support.
• Push the tempo slightly when you feel the ensemble settling in. This chart thrives with forward momentum and a confident, energetic feel.

Program this as a contemporary jazz showcase piece on a concert featuring diverse stylistic territory, or use it as a morale-builder mid-season when ensemble energy needs a spark. The 3:21 duration fits well in a longer set without dominating a single concert.

• Funky rhythmic pocket and groove awareness
• Syncopated articulation in ensemble contexts
• Reading and executing jazz-style syncopation across all parts
• Balance and blend in a funk-rooted ensemble sound
• Listening and locking with the rhythm section