The Entertainer: 2 Alto Saxophones & Keyboard Part(s)

This arrangement preserves the infectious swing and structural integrity of Joplin's masterpiece while giving saxophones the full spotlight they deserve. David Marlatt's addition of stylistically authentic counter melodies keeps the piano engaged throughout rather than relegating it to accompaniment, creating genuine two-way musical conversation. For many students, this is their first real encounter with ragtime as composed music rather than as a cultural relic, and the accessible Easy-Medium level makes that encounter genuinely playable.

Energetic, playful, and rhythmically infectious. The syncopation sparkles against the steady piano, and the alternating melodic exchanges between the saxes give the familiar tune a sense of discovery and conversation rather than mere repetition. There's a lightness and joy here that students feel immediately.

Alto saxophone students working at the Easy-Medium level who are ready for duet repertoire that combines technical accessibility with genuine musical substance. Directors seeking a ragtime standard that engages two saxophones meaningfully and works equally well in chamber settings or small ensembles.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the syncopated sections before worrying about swing; Joplin's ragtimes demand clarity of articulation, not looseness. Once the rhythms sit solidly, the syncopation will naturally feel danceable.
• Balance the alto saxophone voices so that the primary melodic line reads clearly while the second sax's counter melodies add texture without obscuring it. Rehearse sections separately if needed to hear how each part contributes.
• Keep the piano's steady bass groove consistent and unhurried. The saxes will naturally sit better against a dependable rhythmic foundation than against a rushing or dragging foundation.
• Bring out the newly composed Marlatt counter melodies when the piano has them; these moments refresh the familiar material and show how skillfully the arrangement respects Joplin's original while expanding it.

Program this as a welcome change of pace in a concert heavy with classical or contemporary material. It also pairs well with other arranged standards or works by Joplin, allowing you to build a mini-set that explores ragtime's harmonic sophistication. Consider it for a pops concert, a chamber music recital, or as a spring semester treat when students need engaging material with genuine historical weight.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and consistent articulation
• Balancing a duet where both voices matter equally
• Rhythmic independence from the accompaniment
• Stylistic interpretation of Romantic-era ragtime idioms
• Listening for and executing counter melodies effectively