My Man Sam: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Goodwin writes this tribute with genuine reverence for Nestico's legacy while delivering music that stands entirely on its own merits. The chart balances accessibility at Grade 3.5 with sophisticated orchestration: those sweet sax solis and dynamic contrasts remind directors why Goodwin earned his Emmy and Grammy credentials, and the optional parts (flute, vibes) give you real flexibility in casting without compromising the arrangement's integrity.

A warm, swinging tribute that moves with the ease of a seasoned ensemble. The writing breathes; it's confident without showing off, and the shout chorus lands with the kind of joy that comes from musicians playing something genuinely well-crafted. Goodwin's respect for Nestico's legacy comes through in every voicing.

Directors programming jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want music that swings hard without requiring advanced technical facility from every section. This score works equally well for an educational ensemble learning contemporary big band writing and a community or semi-professional group honoring a jazz arranging legend.

• Lock the lead trumpet into that written B above the staff cleanly; it's the punctuation mark that lands this shout chorus. Goodwin doesn't hide the lead voice in the upper register, so clarity and confidence matter more than volume.
• Give the four suggested soloists (trumpet 2, alto 1, tenor 1, trombone 1) rehearsal time to develop their voices individually before the full ensemble kicks back in. The swing feel at 134 BPM holds the tune forward, and a soloist who feels rushed will pull the ensemble with them.
• Shape the dynamic contrasts Goodwin wrote into the chart rather than playing it loud throughout. Medium swing tempo leaves room for the sax solis to breathe, and the shout chorus lands harder when what comes before isn't already at full volume.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in MakeMusic Cloud as a steady reference for the swing groove, especially during rehearsals when your rhythm section is still locking the feel together.

Program this at a concert dedicated to jazz legends or as part of a set showcasing contemporary big band composition. At 4:45, it runs the length of a solid feature without monopolizing your program, making it ideal for a mid-concert moment where you want the ensemble to stretch into something substantial and rewarding.

• Reading and executing swing feel at medium tempo (134 BPM)
• Balancing individual solo voices with ensemble accompaniment
• Executing written range demands (lead trumpet to B above the staff)
• Shaping dynamic contrasts across full ensemble passages
• Interpreting sax soli writing and blend within a saxophone section