One Mint Julep: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Rudolph Toombs / arr. Mike Kamuf
Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0007237
$48.00
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Description
"One Mint Julep" is a funky cha-cha played at the perfect tempo, 120 BPM. Arranged by Mike Kamuf, one of the "go-to" writers for grade 2 level, this chart has it all---a great groove, accessible ranges, nice ensemble voicing, written alto and trumpet solos, and it's all very playable by your band. You'll love this chart! (5:03) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, One Mint Julep: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Young Jazz Ensemble
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
102
SKU:
00-PK-0007237
More about this title
About the Composer: Rudolph Toombs
Rudolph Toombs wrote "One Mint Julep" in 1954, and the song has since become a rhythm and blues standard, covered by artists across multiple genres and decades. His ability to craft memorable melodies with infectious rhythmic grooves made him a prolific songwriter whose work bridged popular music and jazz idioms.
Why we love this
Mike Kamuf's arrangement strips away nothing essential from the original groove while keeping the ranges and ranges perfect for developing ensembles. The written solos for alto and trumpet give your section leaders genuine solo moments without requiring improvisation, and the 5-minute runtime is ideal for contest programs where every second counts.
What to expect
Bouncy and contemporary, with the easy-going charm of a funky cha-cha that never loses its dance-floor appeal. The groove invites physical participation from players, and the bright voicing keeps energy up without demanding technical feats.
Who it's for
Grade 2 jazz ensembles ready to move beyond swing into contemporary groove-based jazz. This arrangement works equally well for middle school programs seeking accessible festival material and for high school bands introducing younger or newer improvisation students to ensemble funky styles.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the kick drum and bass line together first; they're the engine of the cha-cha pocket, and everything else sits on top of that foundation.
- Bring out the saxophone section's figures in the A sections; they define the arrangement's character and need space to speak.
- Take the alto and trumpet solos at performance tempo from the start of rehearsal so your soloists develop confidence and the band learns to support rather than rush.
How to use it
Program this as a festival or contest entry where you want judges to hear solid ensemble fundamentals, accurate rhythmic feels, and strong section leadership. The style also works well on a pop or variety concert alongside other contemporary jazz selections, offering a lighter moment between ballads or harder-swinging tunes.
Skills your students will build
- Playing with a steady cha-cha groove and syncopated rhythmic feel
- Reading and interpreting written jazz articulations and dynamics
- Supporting soloists in a rhythm section context
- Balancing ensemble voicing across five-piece saxophone and trumpet sections
- Executing repeated rhythmic figures with accuracy and expression