No Time Like the Present: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Nestico's fingerprints are all over this chart: the writing is clean and musical, the ensemble never sounds overloaded, and the sax soli sit perfectly in the ears of players and listeners alike. The shout chorus delivers the energy and drive your students need to feel the payoff of preparation, and the optional solo features give you flexibility depending on your section's strengths.

The piece embodies the classic Basie swing aesthetic: driving, relaxed, and built on forward momentum rather than flash. The sax soli sing with character, the shout chorus romps with conviction, and the whole arrangement feels built for joy rather than difficulty. It swings hard without pretense.

This chart fits advanced high school jazz ensembles and college programs ready to tackle Grade 4.5 material with solid fundamentals and section confidence. Directors seeking a vehicle that teaches ensemble voicing, swing feel, and professional-quality orchestration will find Nestico's writing especially rewarding.

• Establish the swing feel early in sectional rehearsals. The rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) sets the groove; once that locks, the horns follow naturally into the pocket.
• Balance the sax section soli carefully. These passages are written to shine, so ensure lead saxes are clear without overwhelming the harmonic texture underneath.
• Let the shout chorus breathe dynamically. Nestico's marking of dynamics within the ensemble writing tells the story; honor the written crescendos and accents rather than pushing the whole section loud from the top.
• Choose your lead trombone soloist early and rehearse that section with accompaniment. The optional trumpet or alto alternative works well if your lead bone needs support or if you want to explore the timbral variation.

Program this as a concert centerpiece or festival selection where you want to showcase both your ensemble's swing feel and your understanding of big band literature. Its length and moderate difficulty also make it suitable as a feature number midseason, once your rhythm section has solidified and your sections are secure on voicing.

• Reading and executing swing articulation and phrasing consistently across sections
• Balancing ensemble voicing while maintaining clarity and forward motion
• Playing soli passages with confidence and blend within a section
• Responding to dynamic and textural cues that shape the form and narrative of a jazz composition
• Understanding the role of each section (reeds, brass, rhythm) in creating ensemble sound