The Jazz Police: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Victor López's arrangement captures everything that makes the original Big Phat Band recording electric without overwhelming a young ensemble. The fully notated solos and accessible ranges let students experience genuine big band energy at a level they can execute, and the optional expandable solo section gives you room to feature developing improvisers or keep the piece tight depending on your ensemble's needs.

The piece grooves with a contemporary jazz-rock edge, balancing infectious rhythmic momentum against moments of sophisticated harmonic color. You'll hear the influence of modern big band writing: strong ensemble hits punctuating the solos, a bass line that propels rather than simply marks time, and a drum feature that rewards precision and taste.

Young jazz ensembles ready to tackle authentic big band repertoire without simplified arrangements. This chart works for high school groups and advanced middle school ensembles with solid section reading and at least one capable soloist on alto sax, tenor sax, and drums.

• Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) into a unified pocket; the driving bass line is the chart's heartbeat, so spend rehearsal time ensuring the bass player and drummer breathe together through the entire form.
• Anchor the saxes in the marked solo sections rather than letting them float independently; even though they have individual lines, they need to function as a cohesive unit to support each other's phrasing.
• Balance the lead trumpet carefully against the ensemble; Goodwin's writing gives the trumpet high responsibilities (up to written G5), so make sure the player has stamina and security before programming this for a contest date.
• Mark out the open solo section clearly with your rhythm section players; if you elect to have other soloists take a chorus, establish the harmonic form and number of choruses in advance so everyone knows when to come back together.

Slot this into a jazz festival or spring concert where you want to showcase your ensemble's ability to swing with contemporary energy. The Grade 2 accessibility and 4:35 duration make it a solid opener or closer, and the contest designation means it holds up well under adjudication.

• Reading and articulating syncopated ensemble figures in a jazz-rock idiom
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion across sectional solo passages
• Balancing individual solos against ensemble tutti sections
• Executing rhythmic precision in a funk-influenced groove with emphasis on backbeat
• Navigating the harmonic movement implied by notated solo lines