Shanghigh: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

This chart captures the energy of a working jazz recording without sacrificing ensemble playability. Baylock's arrangement balances authentic contemporary jazz language with practical ranges and soli passages that give your sections real moments to shine, and the trumpet feature keeps players engaged throughout.

Shanghigh grooves with the sophistication of a professional recording session. The chart breathes with contemporary jazz attitude—hip and forward-moving, with moments of arranged punch punctuating the soloists' conversations.

Jazz ensemble directors seeking contemporary charts that showcase soloists while keeping the full ensemble engaged. Advanced high school and college jazz programs will find the range and harmonic complexity appropriate for experienced players.

• Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) into a tight pocket early in rehearsal; the groove is the foundation that everything else sits on.
• Have your trumpet soloist study the head carefully before diving into improvisation; the written melody establishes the harmonic and melodic terrain they'll navigate.
• Balance the sax soli so the section sounds unified and voiced clearly; these passages define the chart's contemporary character.
• Check intonation on the lead trumpet passages, especially as you approach the written D; fatigue at altitude can creep up quickly.

Program this as a showcase feature for your lead trumpet player in a jazz concert or festival performance. Its 3:43 length makes it an ideal bridge between opening numbers and ballad features on a mixed jazz set.

• Trading solos and trading fours with other sections
• Reading jazz articulations and phrasing conventions in ensemble context
• Balancing written passages with improvised sections
• Managing lead trumpet range and endurance to written D
• Listening and responding to rhythm section groove