Makin' Whoopee: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Dave Wolpe's arrangement addresses a genuine need in the jazz ensemble repertoire by centering the bass trombone as a featured soloist rather than relegating it to accompaniment. The written melody approach removes the barrier to participation for players who haven't developed fluent improvisation skills, while the medium-swing groove and the sax soli create genuine ensemble interest rather than backing tracks.

A relaxed medium-swing strut with the warmth and humor the title suggests. The bass trombone carries the melody with a conversational, almost spoken quality, while the ensemble weaves around it with written jazz colors and that sax soli lifts everything into a moment of pure groove and joy.

Jazz ensemble directors seeking a medium-advanced feature chart that showcases the bass trombone without demanding improvisation skills from the soloist. This arrangement works equally well for student ensembles with a capable bass bone player and professional or community groups looking for a polished, swinging standard with real solo spotlight.

• Balance the bass trombone lead against the ensemble so the melody cuts clearly without the player forcing volume. This charted showcase rewards a warm, controlled tone over aggressive projection.
• Lock the rhythm section (especially bass and drums) into a relaxed medium-swing pocket; the ensemble will anchor around that groove and the written solos will land with more confidence.
• Work the 2nd trumpet harmony mute passage with articulation precision since it's written-out jazz phrasing rather than improvised. Uniform tonguing between the two voices keeps the section cohesive.
• Give the sax soli space to breathe; these are substantial written sections, not brief interjections. Rehearse them as feature moments and let that mindset carry into performance.

Schedule this in the second or third slot of a jazz concert where it can serve as a sophisticated showcase after you've warmed up the ensemble but before the most demanding pieces. It pairs well with harder-swinging numbers since it occupies the medium-tempo, straight-ahead groove category and gives audiences a chance to hear a more featured, melodic side of your ensemble's versatility.

• Medium-swing groove phrasing and rhythmic nuance
• Reading and executing written-out jazz articulations and inflections
• Blending with a featured soloist while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Intonation control in jazz voicings and sax section harmony
• Confidence performing a standard without improvisation as a learning scaffold