One for the 'Box: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Herzig's original composition translates beautifully to the big band format, with the angular bebop vocabulary she's known for built directly into the trumpet and saxophone section work. The strategic placement of solos (with transcriptions provided but room for student voices) keeps energy high while remaining manageable at Grade 3.5. This is the kind of chart that sounds impressive but respects your ensemble's development level.

Punchy and relentless, with the kind of angular bebop melodies that sound modern and challenging. The shuffle groove pushes forward with confidence; this isn't a ballad or a laid-back blues. It's a chart that demands focus and ensemble precision while rewarding that effort with a genuinely swinging, professional sound.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want hard-driving, authentic bebop vocabulary without sacrificing playability. This works well for groups with solid section fundamentals and at least one or two players ready to step into transcribed solos or tackle the optional solo section.

• Lock the shuffle groove in the rhythm section before rehearsing the horn parts; the whole chart rides on this foundation, and time feel is everything in this style.
• Map out who takes the optional solo before the sax soli section during early rehearsals so that soloist can prepare specific harmonic changes and practice with a recording.
• Balance the trumpet-saxophone trades in the head; they're intentionally angular and should cut through cleanly without either section overwhelming the other.
• Keep the tempo steady and confident throughout; this chart thrives on forward momentum and doesn't give you space to sag.

Program this as a contest or festival entry where you want judges to hear solid musicianship and authentic jazz writing, or feature it on a jazz concert where you need a high-energy second-half number. It pairs well with slower ballads or funk-based pieces on the same program, creating dynamic contrast.

• Reading and executing bebop articulation patterns
• Trading melodic lines between sections (call and response)
• Maintaining swing shuffle feel with precision
• Solo interpretation over jazz harmonic changes
• Balancing trumpet and saxophone sections in close ranges
• Playing with stylistic confidence and forward momentum