Sanctified Blues (Family): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Wynton Marsalis / Arranged by Michael Philip Mossman
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00156631
$50.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Composed by Wynton Marsalis in a distinctive New Orleans swing style here is a joyous medium tempo romp that features a trombone and alto sax trading solo statements over a swingin' tutti ensemble. This unique and appealing number is a perfect change of pace for contest of festival.
Sanctified Blues (Family): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00156631
More about this title
About the Composer: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis stands as one of the most significant jazz musicians and composers of the past four decades. His command of both trumpet and orchestration, combined with his deep knowledge of jazz history, informs every piece he writes. Marsalis has spent much of his career elevating jazz in educational settings, composing accessible works that challenge students without sacrificing the joy of playing.
Why we love this
Marsalis captures the infectious swing of New Orleans idiom in a piece that swings hard without demanding virtuosic chops across the entire ensemble. The trombone and alto sax trading solos creates natural focal points for your strongest improvisers while keeping the section writing engaging and playable at grade 4.
What to expect
A front-porch celebration with a subtle edge. The New Orleans swing lilt gives the piece its character, while the blues changes ground it in something familiar and deeply satisfying. Whether your ensemble digs into the solo trades or finds its pocket in the ensemble hits, the piece breathes joy.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level looking for repertoire that genuinely swings without steep technical barriers. Directors seeking a program piece that gives talented improvisers room to shine while keeping non-soloists engaged and contributing.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the groove during the tutti sections by having the rhythm section (especially drums and bass) establish the swing pocket first, then layer in the horns. The ensemble swings only as well as its foundation.
- Shape the solo trading passages so each improviser has clear space to breathe. Signal clearly between statements and remind soloists that trading means listening as much as playing.
- Balance the trombone and alto sax solos equally in the mix; neither should overshadow the other during their exchanges. This maintains the conversation feel Marsalis built into the structure.
- Find the ease in the tempo. Medium tempo blues swings best when it feels unhurried, so resist the urge to rush even if the energy feels high.
How to use it
Pair this alongside other blues or swing standards to build a cohesive set that explores how jazz tradition speaks to contemporary audiences. Its medium tempo and accessible language make it an ideal palate cleanser between more demanding works, or anchor it as the emotional heart of a jazz-focused concert.
Skills your students will build
- Playing authentic swing eighth notes and groove phrasing
- Improvising over 12-bar blues changes
- Trading solos and responding to musical statements from other players
- Balancing ensemble blend during tutti passages
- Listening to and supporting other soloists while playing accompaniment figures