Land Of A Thousand Dances: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Chris Kenner / As performed by Wilson Pickett / Arranged by Rick Stitzel
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00167754
$45.00
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Description
Recorded by Wilson Pickett in the '60s, here is a high-energy rock tune that everyone is sure to recognize. Rick's easy chart features the trademark riffs, solo breaks for drums, and a written or ad lib. solo for tenor sax. Guaranteed crowd pleaser.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00167754
More about this title
About the Composer: Chris Kenner
Chris Kenner was a New Orleans songwriter and pianist whose work bridged R&B, rock, and soul in the 1950s and 1960s. He wrote "Land of a Thousand Dances," one of the era's most infectious and enduring party songs, which became a defining hit when Wilson Pickett recorded it in 1966.
Kenner's gift was crafting instantly memorable melodies with irresistible groove foundations. His songwriting has remained a staple in popular music and offers valuable repertoire for educators seeking material with genuine cultural resonance and proven audience appeal.
Why we love this
Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the infectious energy that made this song iconic without overcomplicating the parts. Your ensemble will feel the immediate payoff of playing something recognizable and fun, which builds confidence and reminds students why they joined band in the first place.
What to expect
Pure, unapologetic fun. The moment your ensemble locks into the riffs, the room comes alive with the kind of energy that defines rock and R&B. This is music that makes people want to move, and your students will feel that reaction immediately when they play it right.
Who it's for
Grade 2 ensembles ready to play something with real groove and student appeal. Your players don't need advanced technical facility, but they do need enthusiasm and basic rhythmic discipline to capture what makes this tune work.
How to get the most out of it
- Nail the rhythmic precision of the trademark riffs before worrying about dynamics. Lock everyone's articulation and note lengths first, then layer in the personality.
- Give your drummer real ownership of the solo break sections. Depending on your player's comfort level, this can range from a fully written chart to complete freedom to improvise.
- The tenor sax solo works equally well as a written feature or an improvisation opportunity. If you have a student ready for ad lib work, this is an ideal low-stakes setting to build that skill.
- Keep the tempo energized and slightly pushed. This tune thrives on forward momentum; letting it drag flattens the whole effect.
How to use it
Program this for a pops concert, a community engagement performance, or a spring concert finale where you want genuine audience enthusiasm. It pairs well with other recognizable repertoire from the '60s and works especially effectively when audiences can sing or clap along with the main hooks.
Skills your students will build
- Locking unison rhythmic figures with consistent articulation and tone
- Reading and executing syncopated rock grooves
- Understanding and performing a 12-bar blues-based structure
- Supporting a solo section while maintaining groove integrity
- Balancing written precision with stylistic feel