Stompin' at the Savoy: Score

Mike Story's Grade 2 arrangement captures the infectious energy of one of swing's most recognizable tunes without overwhelming a developing marching band. The straightforward scoring keeps the focus on groove and style rather than technical fireworks, making it ideal for bands working on jazz phrasing, section balance, and rhythmic precision at an accessible level. This is the kind of chart that sounds considerably more sophisticated than its difficulty rating suggests, rewarding both performers and audiences.

Clean, energetic, and playful. The arrangement swings with the relaxed confidence of the original big band sound, featuring bright articulation and a groove that propels forward without demanding breakneck precision. There's genuine sophistication in the voicing even at this accessible level, giving performers a taste of what makes the Savoy Ballroom classic so timeless.

Marching bands at the Grade 2 level who want to program recognizable, engaging jazz material without the technical demands of more complex swing charts. Directors seeking a confidence-builder that introduces students to big band style and jazz arranging conventions will find the straightforward orchestration and familiar melody especially useful.

• Lock the section rhythms before worrying about dynamics; the swing feel depends on consistent, relaxed subdivision across all parts, especially in the backbeat.
• Shape the melody with gentle swells rather than dramatic accents to capture the subtle sophistication of the original arrangement.
• Balance the front ensemble with the wind sections carefully during tutti passages to prevent the piece from feeling top-heavy.
• Allow slight flexibility in the tempo during ensemble transitions to let the swing feel breathe naturally rather than mechanical.

Use this as a show opener or closer to establish a jazzy, upbeat tone for a concert program mixing classical and contemporary works. It also works exceptionally well as a pep band feature, where its instantly recognizable melody and swing groove connect immediately with audiences unfamiliar with formal concert music.

• Swing articulation and phrasing (detached eighth notes, relaxed groove)
• Balance and blend across wind and front ensemble sections in jazz context
• Reading and executing written jazz rhythms and syncopation patterns
• Responding to conductor shape and style choices specific to swing interpretation