Struttin' with Some Barbecue: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the infectious swagger of the original without demanding virtuosity beyond Grade 2 capabilities. Students get to play authentic jazz phrasing and articulation while the material stays rhythmically and harmonically manageable, making this ideal for early exposure to ensemble swing.

A jaunty, good-humored piece that captures the loose joy of early swing. The melody bounces along with an easy confidence, supported by the kind of groove that makes rhythm sections sound tight and lets horns settle into the pocket naturally.

Second-year jazz ensemble students and developing big band programs looking for repertoire that builds swing fundamentals without technical barriers. Teachers introducing students to jazz language and classic jazz standards.

• Treat the swing eighth notes as a feel rather than a mechanical subdivision. Have your players listen to Louis Armstrong recordings first so they hear the air in the phrase.
• Balance the lead voice against the ensemble hits. Those punctuations need space to land, so brief comping underneath keeps the groove light.
• Lock the rhythm section early. The drums and bass establish the pocket, giving horns permission to play slightly ahead or behind the beat for character.
• Shape the melody line with dynamic peaks. Avoid playing straight through; let it breathe and build into the ensemble sections.

Pair this with other Raye or Armstrong arrangements for a concert celebrating swing-era standards, or use it mid-year when students have developed enough ensemble awareness to handle the rhythmic nuance. The approachability makes it a solid opener for jazz festival appearances.

• Swing eighths and jazz articulation (light, bouncy tongue attack)
• Reading and executing ensemble hits and section accents
• Balance between lead and comping voices
• Listening to recorded examples and translating feel into performance
• Rhythmic flexibility and playing slightly behind or ahead of the beat for musical effect