Rule the Roost: 2nd B-flat Trumpet

Berg's grooves sit solidly in the pocket without sacrificing character. The Tower of Power feel gives this chart immediate swagger, and the written solos for tenor and trombone mean your section leaders can lock into something specific rather than improvising over changes. A Grade 3 piece that doesn't talk down to players and actually demands musicality from the rhythm section.

Funky, confident, and fun. The Tower of Power groove carries swagger without strain, and Berg's writing keeps the energy bouncing even when individual sections drop out. It's the kind of piece that makes students feel cool playing it.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level looking for music with genuine funk energy and character. Directors who want their players to engage with written solos and develop rhythmic sophistication; players who are ready for a bass part that's genuinely integral to the arrangement, not just supportive.

• Lock the bass part early in rehearsal; Berg designs the low end to drive the whole ensemble, so spend time getting that line crystal clear and rhythmically locked before layering horns on top.
• Let the tenor and trombone solos breathe during rehearsals. Work them as written first, then encourage players to add their own inflection and articulation once the notes are secure.
• Balance the lead trumpet to written A carefully. The range doesn't demand screaming; focus on clarity and punch rather than volume.
• Use the funk pocket as your rehearsal anchor. If things feel loose, come back to the groove underneath rather than tightening tempo.

Pair this with other Berg charts or contemporary funk-inflected big band writing for a cohesive concert section that speaks to current jazz idiom. It works equally well as a second-set opener or as a high-energy closer to a mixed jazz program, and the narrative title makes it memorable for audience announcements.

• Funk and Tower of Power groove pocket and feel
• Written solo interpretation for jazz voices (tenor saxophone and trombone)
• Rhythmic precision and ensemble lock, particularly in the rhythm section
• Balanced ensemble playing in a contemporary jazz context
• Lead trumpet playing with clarity and articulation above the staff