There's the Rub: 2nd E-flat Alto Saxophone

Goodwin's ear for what excites young players is on full display here. The funky groove sits perfectly at Grade 2, never condescending, while the written-out saxophone solos give your section players real material to dig into rather than generic chord changes. This is the kind of chart that gets students genuinely interested in jazz ensemble.

Funky and immediate. There's a modern groove underneath the jazz framework, the kind of writing that hooks student players from the first rehearsal. The solos invite personality and interpretation, giving the piece flexibility while the rhythm section drives a confident, danceable pocket.

Young jazz ensemble programs looking for accessible, genuinely swinging repertoire that doesn't talk down to students. The Grade 2 level makes it reachable for developing sections, while the Goodwin pedigree and contest-ready arrangement appeal to directors who want substance alongside accessibility.

• Lock the groove first. At 180 BPM, the pocket matters more than perfection; get the rhythm section locked in before layering the horn lines.
• Feature your saxophone soloists in rehearsal. Give them time to internalize their written parts so they can commit to the style and feel rather than reading through.
• Balance the lead trumpet carefully. The written G on top demands a strong player who can project without cracking; make sure your section supports rather than overwhelms.

Program this on a jazz festival or contest where it can sit alongside more traditional swing charts and showcase the ensemble's contemporary chops. It also works perfectly as a second-half opener for a jazz concert, energizing the room after a ballad or straight-ahead swing tune.

• Maintaining steady pulse in funk and contemporary jazz idioms
• Reading and executing written jazz solos with stylistic interpretation
• Balancing blend and intonation in the upper register (lead trumpet)
• Understanding groove and pocket as ensemble concepts, not just individual accuracy