Side Slippin': Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

The half-step voice leading that gives this piece its title creates an immediately recognizable sonic signature without requiring advanced harmonic vocabulary from your students. Stitzel balances the full ensemble moments (where that slipping effect really lands) with accessible solo opportunities, making it genuinely rewarding to play whether you're reading the lead or taking a turn in front.

Medium swing with a playful character, built on the familiar harmonic foundation of the blues but with clever melodic twists that keep listeners and players alike slightly off-balance in the best way. The ensemble unison passages have a snappy, unified energy that contrasts nicely with the spacier feel of the solos.

Jazz ensembles at the beginning levels (grades 1 and 2) benefit most from this piece. It works equally well for groups just discovering swing style and those ready to add blues vocabulary to their repertoire.

• Isolate the slipping melody in sectional rehearsals before layering it with the rhythm section. The half-step movement only sparkles when intonation is clean across all voices.
• Have soloists practice their sections separately from the ensemble groove. This builds confidence and prevents rushes during the backing figures.
• Establish the swing feel early by walking the bass line and hi-hat pattern first. Once that pocket is solid, the ensemble articulations land with purpose.

Consider placing this early in a jazz concert to establish groove and energy, or use it as a bridge piece between a classical set and a heavier swing selection. It also serves nicely as a sectional rehearsal warm-up when you need full ensemble participation but want something lighter in texture.

• Medium swing articulation and phrasing
• Blues harmonic progression reading
• Half-step voice leading and intonation
• Solo improvisation over a blues changes
• Ensemble balance in mixed unison and harmony textures