Running with Scissors: 1st Trombone

Goodwin's funky grooves and ear for what audiences actually want to hear make this chart irresistible in concert. The writing is sophisticated enough to respect your ensemble's musicianship while remaining accessible at Grade 3.5, and the provided sample solos across multiple instruments give your band flexibility in who steps into the spotlight. This is the kind of chart that generates genuine enthusiasm from both the section and the audience.

Running with Scissors swings hard with the attitude of contemporary funk. The groove is immediately infectious, blending jazz sensibilities with the straight-eighth swagger of rock, all delivered at a pace that keeps energy high without sacrificing musicality.

Jazz ensemble directors leading strong intermediate groups ready for funk and rock elements at Grade 3.5. Bands with capable soloists across multiple instruments will unlock the full potential of Goodwin's writing, though the chart remains engaging for ensembles focusing on ensemble playing.

• Lock the tempo at 168 BPM early in rehearsal and maintain it consistently. This groove demands rhythmic precision, especially from the rhythm section, so establishing an unwavering click before adding layers will pay dividends.
• Feature the soloists individually in sectional rehearsals before bringing them into full ensemble context. Whether your soloist is reading Goodwin's provided sample or creating their own voice, they need comfort in the changes before navigating the band's energy around them.
• Balance the auxiliary percussion part so it enhances rather than overshadows the main groove. The written percussion contributes essential color to the funk feel, but clarity in the front line requires judicious dynamic shaping.
• If using vibes or flute (both optional), explore how their timbre interacts with the core instrumentation in sectionals. These colors can shift the piece's character significantly, so intentional choices about when to deploy them will strengthen the final product.

This chart works perfectly as a second-half centerpiece that shifts the concert's mood from swing to something hipper and more contemporary. Program it alongside other Goodwin pieces for a cohesive artistic statement, or balance it with more traditional jazz standards to showcase your band's stylistic range.

• Funky articulation and rhythmic precision in straight-eighth grooves
• Solo construction and improvisation within a contemporary jazz context
• Ensemble balance and rhythmic cohesion at medium-fast tempos
• Reading auxiliary percussion parts alongside traditional jazz ensemble voicings
• Dynamic shaping of optional instruments (vibes, flute) within the ensemble texture