Something Modal: Brass Quartet Score & Parts

Relaxed and groovy, with a jump swing energy that keeps things light and fun. The simplicity of the melodies and voicings lets the natural warmth and blend of euphoniums and tubas shine through, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and rooted in classic brass swing traditions.

Brass quartets at the high school and community level who want a modern swing chart that doesn't require advanced improvisation chops. Players comfortable with medium-range technique and interested in exploring jazz inflection will find plenty of room to develop their voice in the solo sections.

• Lock the rhythm section (tubas) into a consistent walking pulse early in rehearsals; this foundation lets the euphoniums focus on phrasing and swing interpretation.
• Encourage soloists to listen to recordings of classic swing horn sections to internalize the vocabulary and phrasing before improvising.
• Balance the two euphonium parts carefully during the written sections so the melody sits on top without the background overwhelming it.
• Mark the chord changes clearly in all parts and spend rehearsal time discussing the harmonic movement so improvisers know what sounds good over each change.

Program this as a standalone feature or opener for a concert where you want to shift the energy toward contemporary repertoire. It works equally well as a contest or festival piece where the combination of accessible writing and improvisational opportunity appeals to adjudicators looking for musical maturity without technical overreach.

• Swing rhythm and interpretation in a brass ensemble setting
• Basic improvisation over simple chord progressions
• Blend and balance in a four-part brass texture
• Reading and responding to harmonic changes
• Phrasing and style-specific articulation for jump swing