Sermonette: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Jon Hendricks and Julian Adderley / arr. Terry White
Grade: 1.5
Item: 00-PK-0009567
$47.00
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Description
Check out this easy gospel swing groove. With a brief chorale introduction, the tempo is 128 BPM with no individual solos, just ensemble with a nice shout chorus. Optional parts include flute, clarinet, and vibes.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin First Year
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PK-0009567
More about this title
About the Composer: Jon Hendricks
Jon Hendricks stands as one of jazz's most inventive vocalists and composers, known for pioneering vocalese, a technique that sets lyrics to existing jazz instrumental solos. His work bridged the gap between bebop sophistication and accessible, swingable melody, making complex jazz language singable and memorable for ensembles of all levels.
Hendricks' approach to composition emphasizes clarity and joy. His pieces for educational ensembles maintain the harmonic and rhythmic integrity of jazz while remaining achievable for young musicians, making him a valued voice in jazz education repertoire.
Why we love this
Sermonette delivers everything a first-year jazz ensemble needs: a driving gospel swing that keeps students locked in, a chorale section that teaches dynamic contrast, and a shout chorus that makes them feel like real jazz musicians. The optional voicings mean you can use exactly what your band has, and the absence of solo sections lets your ensemble shine as one cohesive unit rather than highlighting individual players.
What to expect
Sermonette swings with unmistakable spiritual warmth. The opening chorale feels like a quiet congregation moment before the energy lifts and a full-throttle groove takes over, complete with the kind of rhythmic precision and ensemble unity that makes gospel swing irresistible. It's celebratory without being cheesy, accessible without sacrificing groove.
Who it's for
First-year jazz ensemble students who are ready to explore gospel swing and understand basic ensemble blend. Works equally well for established concert bands adding a jazz unit or smaller combos learning to operate as a cohesive section without relying on individual soloists.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the eighth-note subdivision absolutely even during the swing feel; lock in with a consistent hi-hat or ride cymbal sound to anchor the pocket.
- Shape the chorale introduction with gentle dynamic rise and fall, then let the full ensemble explode into the main groove with real conviction.
- Balance the shout chorus so the ensemble parts drive forward; these calls and responses only land if everyone commits to the phrase together.
- If you have flute, clarinet, or vibes players, use them to add color and lift during the shout chorus rather than pulling focus in the main body.
How to use it
Program this as an opener or closer that energizes an audience immediately. It pairs well on a jazz concert alongside blues or straight-ahead swing charts, and the brief runtime makes it an ideal piece for pops concerts, school assemblies, or community events where you want to showcase ensemble joy.
Skills your students will build
- Gospel swing feel and eighth-note subdivision
- Ensemble cohesion without reliance on soloists
- Dynamic contrast between chorale and full groove sections
- Responding to rhythmic ensemble cues and shout chorus phrasing