Shout, Stomp, and Swing!: Drums

Sabina writes with first-year ensembles in mind, and it shows. The chart sits perfectly in the early Grade 1 range while delivering the swing feel and solo opportunities that make jazz ensemble work genuinely rewarding. Scored for standard instrumentation with written solos and a melody that passes between sections naturally, this is the kind of straightforward, musical writing that builds student confidence without sacrificing style.

A straightforward, buoyant swing with clean lines and a relaxed pulse. The melody exchanges and solo breaks give the piece momentum and individual voice, while the moderate tempo lets everyone breathe together.

First-year jazz ensemble directors seeking material that builds foundational swing vocabulary without overwhelming inexperienced players. The Grade 1 level, written solos, and manageable range make this accessible for developing improvisation skills and section independence.

• Lock the groove at 160 BPM through section rehearsals before bringing the ensemble together; the rhythm section should anchor tempo before soloists enter.
• Balance the opening melody between alto and trumpet 1, keeping both voices present rather than letting one dominate.
• Shape each solo section by trading energy with the rhythm section; encourage soloists to listen actively to the comping underneath them.
• Bring out the written horn sections quietly at first, then add weight as the ensemble gains confidence in the swing feel.

Program this early in the year to establish swing conventions and sectional listening habits. Its festival suitability and compact 3:07 runtime make it strong contest material once students internalize the groove.

• Swing feel and rhythmic interpretation at moderate tempo
• Trading melody between sections with balance and precision
• Written solo performance with accompaniment
• Listening and responding to rhythm section comping
• Reading and executing standard jazz chord changes