That's a Plenty: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

This arrangement captures everything that makes Dixieland so engaging: written-out solos that give each player a moment to shine, a melody that passes through the quintet so everyone stays invested, and a piece that genuinely excites an audience. It's the kind of music that reminds players why they love ensemble work in the first place.

That's a Plenty swings with infectious joy and rhythmic vitality. The piece moves between solo spotlights and full ensemble moments with the casual energy of a jam session, creating a musical conversation that feels both carefully composed and spontaneously alive.

This work suits brass quintets at the intermediate to advanced level who are comfortable with jazz idioms and want a crowd-pleasing option for concerts or festivals. It's equally at home in a contest setting or a community concert where the audience comes to have fun.

• Balance the written solos so they cut through without drowning out the supporting voices. The rhythm section needs to stay locked while soloists explore the changes.
• Shape the melodic passages that move between players as one continuous line rather than individual statements. Hand off each phrase with intentional connection.
• Lean into the swing feel and rhythmic energy. This piece lives in the groove, so commit to the style rather than playing it straight.
• Use dynamics to shape the overall form. The transitions between solo sections and ensemble passages will feel sharper if you light them with contrast.

Program this when you need a guaranteed audience moment that feels contemporary and energetic. It pairs well with more formal brass quintet literature, providing contrast and energy while showcasing your ensemble's stylistic range. It's an excellent choice for festival competition or community outreach concerts where accessibility and entertainment value matter.

• Reading and interpreting jazz chord changes and improvisation frameworks
• Balancing solo and ensemble roles within the same piece
• Executing swing rhythm and jazz articulation
• Listening and responding to ensemble partners in a style-specific context
• Maintaining groove and rhythmic cohesion across five independent parts