Rutabaga Ramble: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Michael Sweeney
Grade: 1.5
Item: 35-PK00273512
$35.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Rutabaga Ramble - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Piano | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Bass | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Drums | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Vibes | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Flute | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Bb Clarinet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Bb Clarinet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Tuba | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Alto Sax/Bari Sax Sample Solo | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Tenor Sax Sample Solo | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trumpet Sample Solo | $6.00 | |
| Rutabaga Ramble - Trombone Sample Solo | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
From the opening finger snaps, bass groove, sultry sax line, and brass punches, your band is in for a treat with this one. A silky smooth middle section provides contrast before returning to the minor shuffle feel. There are plenty of solo options with written samples provided for all instruments.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00273512
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Sweeney
Michael Sweeney has established himself as one of the most prolific and respected composers for school jazz ensembles. His output spans decades of work that demonstrates deep understanding of what young musicians need: engaging melodies, clear sectional writing, and accessible harmonies that don't sacrifice sophistication.
Sweeney's compositions consistently balance accessibility with musicality. He writes for the ensemble that exists in most programs, building parts that allow every section to contribute meaningfully while creating room for students to develop their jazz language through written solos and stylistic interpretation.
Why we love this
The minor shuffle groove hooks immediately and holds throughout, giving your rhythm section a chance to establish the pocket before the horns enter. The written solo samples for every instrument mean your students aren't left guessing what jazz phrasing sounds like; they have concrete models to learn from and modify as their confidence grows.
What to expect
Rutabaga Ramble swings with an easy confidence. The opening finger snaps and sultry saxophone create an intimate, laid-back vibe that feels more like listening to a recording than a school band. The middle section opens into something warm and spacious before snapping back to the shuffle with renewed energy.
Who it's for
This works perfectly for Grade 1.5 jazz ensembles that are beginning to explore different grooves and solo opportunities. It's ideal for groups ready to move beyond strict unison figures and interested in learning how jazz sections lock together.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the bass groove and finger snaps as the foundation before adding any other voices. Spend rehearsal time locking the rhythm section so everything else lands with precision.
- Treat the middle section's shift to a more legato texture as a genuine contrast in dynamic approach, not just a softer volume. Encourage the ensemble to find space and air in the phrasing.
- Have soloists listen to the written samples multiple times before improvising over the changes. The samples demonstrate the style's character and help soloists understand how to navigate the harmonic structure.
- Keep the return to the minor shuffle feel crisp and energetic. After the smooth middle section, this moment needs rhythmic clarity and a sense of forward motion.
How to use it
Program this at a jazz concert where you want to showcase both ensemble cohesion and individual voices. It also makes an excellent teaching piece for demonstrating how different grooves feel and how written solos serve as learning tools for improvisation.
Skills your students will build
- Minor shuffle groove pocket and feel
- Writing and performing jazz solos with harmonic awareness
- Sectional balance and blend in a jazz ensemble setting
- Stylistic interpretation across contrasting sections
- Listening and responding to rhythmic cues in ensemble playing