Struttin' with Some Barbecue: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Don Raye / By Lillian Hardin Armstrong / As performed by Louis Armstrong / Arranged by Mike Tomaro
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00132055
$55.00
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Description
Every aspiring jazz musician needs to be aware of Louis Armstrong and how he influenced American jazz styles. Here is a solid, swinging arrangement for the entire ensemble on one of the tunes he is most identified with.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00132055
More about this title
About the Composer: Don Raye
Don Raye was a prolific songwriter and composer who worked extensively in jazz and popular music during the mid-20th century. His gift for crafting memorable melodies and swinging rhythms made him a sought-after collaborator, and his compositions became standards in the jazz repertoire.
Raye understood how to write for ensemble in ways that balanced accessibility with musical substance. His work remains a staple in jazz education because it combines straightforward charm with the harmonic and rhythmic sophistication that keeps ensembles engaged.
Why we love this
Mike Tomaro's arrangement captures the infectious spirit of Armstrong's legacy without overwhelming a developing ensemble. The voicings sit comfortably across all sections while maintaining that essential swagger, making it an ideal entry point for Grade 4 musicians exploring how solo artistry translates to big band contexts.
What to expect
Walking with purpose and joy. The arrangement swings with that characteristic New Orleans confidence that Armstrong embodied, moving through its changes with enough melodic clarity that the ensemble can breathe together. It feels celebratory without losing its musical center.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors working with high school groups or advanced middle school musicians who have solid fundamentals and basic jazz vocabulary. Students ready to learn how Armstrong's innovations shaped ensemble writing but not yet tackling the rhythmic complexity of advanced big band literature.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the groove in the rhythm section. The bass line and drums need to lock in before the horns enter; spend rehearsal time isolating those parts first.
- Bring out the melody with warmth rather than precision. This tune thrives on swing feel, not metronomic accuracy.
- Balance the saxophone section so it sits behind the brass when both are playing. The soloists should have conversational space even in full sections.
- Shape the dynamic arc across the entire chart. Resist the urge to play loudly throughout; dynamics are what create the "strutting" character the title promises.
How to use it
Place this early in a jazz-focused concert to set an upbeat, accessible tone that engages audiences immediately. It works equally well as a teaching piece during sectional rehearsals or as a performance vehicle once your ensemble has solidified swing feel and section balance.
Skills your students will build
- Swing articulation and phrasing in a small ensemble context
- Reading jazz chord symbols and understanding voice leading across a 12-bar blues form
- Balancing melody and harmony in scored sections versus solo moments
- Listening and responding to rhythm section accompaniment while maintaining individual part accuracy