One Mint Julep: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Kamuf's arrangement hits that rare sweet spot where the chart is genuinely playable at Grade 2 without sacrificing the funk and swagger that makes this tune so fun. The written alto and trumpet solos give your soloists meaningful material to work with, and the ensemble voicing sits perfectly for younger players without feeling overly simplified.

A relaxed, groovy cha-cha with serious funk DNA. The tune invites your band to settle into an easy swing without losing any of its infectious bounce or rhythmic confidence.

Grade 2 jazz ensembles looking for repertoire that swings hard without overwhelming younger players. Directors programming contest/festival seasons will appreciate the playability combined with genuine stylistic substance.

• Lock the cha-cha clave pattern in the rhythm section from the first rehearsal. This is the heartbeat of the groove, and everything else clicks into place once it's solid.
• Treat the 120 BPM tempo as a sweet spot, not a ceiling. Resist the urge to rush; younger ensembles often push funk grooves too fast.
• Balance the solo spotlight strategically. Bring the ensemble dynamic down during the alto and trumpet solos so the featured players sit naturally in the mix rather than standing apart.

This works beautifully in a festival or contest set where you want an uptempo crowd-pleaser that also demonstrates ensemble musicianship. It also pairs well in a concert program alongside other accessible jazz standards, offering a fun contrast to ballads or more structured big band charts.

• Cha-cha rhythmic patterns and Latin jazz groove
• Playing through and around written solo sections
• Ensemble balance and voicing in a funk-driven chart
• Jazz articulation and phrasing at accessible ranges
• Reading and executing contemporary jazz notation