The Brat: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Vuono understands what makes a funk chart engaging for students: grooves that lock quickly, clear section roles, and moments where each group gets to shine. The sax feature alone makes this a section highlight worth rehearsing, and the repetitive rhythm figures mean your rhythm section learns the form fast and stays locked in.

The Brat is all swagger and pocket. The repetitive figures in the rhythm section create a hypnotic, locked-in groove that lets you settle into the funk and stay there. When the full ensemble kicks in after the trumpet and tenor head, the energy jumps, and that unison sax feature brings the whole room to attention.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate to advanced level who want a stylistically grounded funk chart that builds section confidence without overwhelming players. Groups comfortable with syncopated rhythms and groove-based playing will thrive with this one.

• Let the rhythm section lock the groove early in rehearsal before adding horns. The repetitive figures become the foundation that holds everything together.
• Isolate the trumpet and tenor head to nail the phrasing and articulation together. These voices carry the melody and need to sound unified before the ensemble enters.
• Give the sax section space to find their pocket during the feature. This is their moment to own the groove, so encourage them to sit on the beat and feel the funk.
• Balance the unison sax writing so the lead voice projects clearly without drowning out the harmony voicings underneath.

Slot this into a concert where you want to showcase your ensemble's groove sensibility and section strength. It pairs well alongside other blues- and rock-inflected repertoire, or use it as a high-energy closer that leaves the audience on their feet.

• Reading and sustaining syncopated rhythmic figures
• Playing with pocket and groove awareness in a funk context
• Balancing melody and harmony in unison and sectional writing
• Responding to section dynamics and collective energy shifts
• Phrasing and articulation consistency across a section