That's a Plenty: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

This arrangement captures everything that makes Dixieland irresistible: infectious energy, clear melodic hooks, and built-in solo opportunities that let every player shine. Jim Parcel's orchestration for brass quintet keeps the spirit of the original while being thoroughly playable by accomplished high school groups and college ensembles. Audiences recognize it immediately and respond to its joyful irreverence, making it an ideal closer for a concert or festival set.

From the first measure, this piece radiates optimism and swing. The melody dances and bounces with the infectious spirit of Dixieland jazz, supported by driving rhythms that make sitting still nearly impossible. Written-out solos give each voice a moment in the spotlight, and the collective energy builds toward a finish that leaves audiences smiling.

Advanced brass quintets at the high school, college, and beyond-high-school levels will find this a rewarding and accessible addition to their repertoire. Directors programming contests, festivals, or pops concerts need a piece that demonstrates musicianship while almost guaranteeing audience engagement. Ensembles comfortable with jazz vocabulary and looking for a performance vehicle with written solos for multiple players will thrive with this arrangement.

• Balance the written-out solo sections so they stand out without overpowering the accompanying voices; use dynamic marking clarity and sectional rehearsal to establish each soloist's prominence.
• Lock the rhythmic foundation early in rehearsal by having the lower voices (trombone and tuba) establish the groove independently before adding upper voices and solos.
• Lean into the jazz phrasing and articulation markings; this piece demands swing feel and relaxed rhythmic placement rather than metronomic precision.
• Pay attention to the melody distribution across the quintet; when it passes from one player to another, shape the handoff smoothly to maintain phrase continuity.

Open your pops concert with this to set a festive tone, or save it as your final number to send audiences out happy. It pairs naturally alongside other jazz standards or early American music and works equally well in a light classical program that needs breathing room. Festival judges and panel audiences appreciate seeing brass quintets tackle authentic jazz repertoire with style and precision.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing conventions
• Playing written-out solos with confidence and character
• Swing rhythm feel and ensemble synchronization
• Balancing melodic and accompanying voices in jazz texture
• Responding to section cues across distributed melody parts