Squatty Roo (arr. John Clayton): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by John Clayton
Grade: 5
Item: 35-PK01210322
$60.00
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Description
Written for the Ellington orchestra by saxophonist Johnny Hodges, this catchy riff-based tune swings hard from beginning to end. After the hard-hitting opening, solos are exchanged by tenor, trombone, trumpet and piano. In typical Clayton-Hamilton fashion, the piece roars to an exhilarating full tilt finish!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01210322
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Clayton
John Clayton stands among the most respected big band arrangers of our time. His work with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra has earned widespread acclaim for its swing-era sophistication combined with modern energy, making his arrangements essential resources for serious jazz programs.
Why we love this
Clayton's touch here transforms a classic Ellington vehicle into something that swings with relentless momentum. The solo section balances individual voices without ever losing the propulsive ensemble sound, and the arrangement scales beautifully for a school ensemble while maintaining the sophistication that keeps musicians engaged.
What to expect
This is kinetic energy from the downbeat. The riff-driven melody creates immediate forward motion, and the solo exchanges build the kind of collegial swing that makes audiences lean in. The finish lands hard and leaves everyone wanting more.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level and beyond will find plenty to work with here. The piece demands solid section coordination and individual musicianship but doesn't require virtuosic soloists, making it ideal for programs building toward more complex repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the opening riff between saxes and brass so it lands with precision; any looseness in this foundational material will undermine the entire swing feel.
- Give solo voices room to stretch without losing the groove. The rhythm section should anchor each solo with unwavering time and feel.
- Build intensity through the final chorus by tightening ensemble attacks and having the band push slightly ahead of the beat without rushing.
- Let the tune breathe during solo sections. Resist the urge to conduct every beat; guide the pulse and trust the band's swing instincts.
How to use it
Use this as a centerpiece for a jazz concert program or pair it with other Ellington-based arrangements to create a coherent set. Its accessibility and crowd appeal make it equally valuable as a closer that sends the audience out on a high note.
Skills your students will build
- Swing rhythmic interpretation and feel within written notation
- Section blend and coordination while maintaining individual voice clarity
- Accompanying soloists with intentional time and dynamic support
- Building ensemble intensity and energy through the arrangement
- Jazz phrasing and articulation appropriate to the big band idiom