September (arr. Mark Taylor): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Earth, Wind Fire / Arranged by Mark Taylor
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00468730
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Description
Here's the classic funk tune from Earth, Wind Fire in a terrific arrangement for big band by Mark Taylor. This one includes all your favorite signature horn riffs as well as a solo for tenor sax.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00468730
More about this title
About the Artist: Earth, Wind Fire
Earth, Wind Fire emerged in the 1970s as one of the defining forces in funk and soul music, blending horn sections, intricate rhythms, and infectious grooves into a signature sound that influenced generations of musicians. Their arrangements prioritized ensemble interplay and tight rhythmic precision, qualities that translate beautifully to jazz ensemble settings and make their compositions natural fits for music education.
Why we love this
Mark Taylor captures the essential character of this Earth, Wind Fire classic while making it genuinely playable for high school ensembles. The arrangement preserves those iconic horn riffs that students recognize immediately, yet the Grade 4 difficulty keeps the focus on solid ensemble work and infectious groove rather than heroic technical demands.
What to expect
Propulsive and groovy, with the kind of infectious energy that makes audiences move in their seats. The horn writing sits comfortably in the mid-range and creates a dense, shimmering texture that feels substantial without overwhelming the ensemble.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the high school level looking for material that connects with students' musical awareness while building real ensemble skills. This works equally well for directors seeking crowd-pleasing concert music and for programs building a playlist of funk and soul standards.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section into a unified pocket first. Have the drums, bass, and piano work as a single unit before the horns enter; once that foundation is solid, the whole arrangement sits naturally.
- Let the tenor sax solo breathe with space around it. The accompaniment should sit back and support rather than crowd the soloist's phrasing.
- Bring out the signature horn riffs with clarity and precision. These are the recognizable moments students know; articulation and blend matter enormously here.
- Keep the overall energy lifted and forward-moving throughout. The funk foundation demands consistent momentum even in the quieter sections.
How to use it
Pair this with other funk and soul arrangements to create a thematic concert set, or use it as the energetic centerpiece of a pop and jazz showcase. It works particularly well as a spring concert opener that immediately establishes momentum and audience engagement.
Skills your students will build
- Funk and swing rhythms (syncopation in the context of a groove)
- Section balance within a big band voicing (horns, woodwinds, rhythm section)
- Solo accompaniment and responsive ensemble playing
- Articulation clarity in rapid horn passages
- Listening to and locking with rhythm section members