Thriller: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Rod Temperton / arr. Mike Story
Grade: 1
Item: 00-PK-0009058
$45.00
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Description
Yes, the Michael Jackson rock hit arranged for your young jazz band. Played around 114 BPM with modest ranges, nice voicings, and a written-out easy to play bass solo (cued for trombone or bari sax). This is an easy to play yet fun crowd pleaser for sure. (2:45)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Thriller: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
First Year Charts for Jazz Ensemble
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PK-0009058
More about this title
About the Composer: Rod Temperton
Rod Temperton composed some of the most recognizable pop and R&B music of the late 20th century, serving as keyboardist and primary songwriter for the funk band The Commodores before launching a prolific career in film and record production. His work with Michael Jackson, including the iconic "Thriller" album, shaped the sound of 1980s pop and continues to influence contemporary music across genres.
Why we love this
Young jazz ensembles rarely get to play something this instantly recognizable and rewarding. The arrangement respects the original's infectious energy while keeping technical demands manageable for first-year players, and a written-out bass solo (with trombone or bari sax cue) gives soloists a chance to shine without requiring advanced improvisation skills. Your students will feel the thrill of nailing a piece that audiences actually know.
What to expect
The arrangement captures the slinky, slightly spooky groove of the original, with enough contemporary energy to keep young players engaged and excited. It swings without overselling, allowing the arrangement's smart voicings and the recognizable melody to carry the piece.
Who it's for
First-year jazz ensemble players ready to move beyond fundamentals into genuine ensemble repertoire. This works especially well for groups developing their sense of swing and rhythmic cohesion, since the chart rewards ensemble listening and precision without demanding individual technical prowess.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the groove locked between bass and drums at 114 BPM; the arrangement relies on rhythmic precision rather than harmonic complexity, so a tight rhythm section carries the whole arrangement
- Balance the bass solo so it cuts through cleanly without overwhelming the background figures. If a trombonist takes the cued part, remind them the melody sits lower than the written-out bass line and needs clear articulation
- The modest range means clarity matters more than volume. Emphasize clean attacks and consistent tone across all sections rather than pushing for projection
How to use it
Perfect for a fall or Halloween-themed concert where you want to include contemporary material. The three-minute runtime and crowd-pleasing familiarity make it an excellent opener or closer, and the straightforward technical demands mean you can program it even if rehearsal time is tight.
Skills your students will build
- Reading jazz chord symbols and voicings written on a score
- Locking into a groove and maintaining rhythmic precision across 2:45 of ensemble playing
- Supporting and responding to a featured soloist within an ensemble context
- Sustaining a moderate tempo and consistent feel through a pop-based arrangement