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Told Ya So: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

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Told Ya So Cover Image

Told Ya So: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By Gordon Goodwin

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-40362

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Description
A medium-swing modal original by Gordon Goodwin. The tempo is around 140 BPM, the flexible solo section has written solos provided for (opt) flute, alto 1, tenor 1, bari, trumpet 3 and trombone 1. The lead trumpet range is to written B above the staff. It's relaxed and kinda laid-back but still has the Goodwin intensity. A fun to play Goodwin chart. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Told Ya So: 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: Jazz Band Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 110
UPC: 038081458199
SKU: 00-40362

More about this title

About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin heard entire compositions in his head before he could read music, writing full pieces down at five years old. His first big band chart appeared when he was thirteen, signaling a gift that would reshape how he moved through the music world. His work as a composer and arranger has earned three Emmy Awards and multiple Grammy nominations across projects ranging from film scores (Bad Boys II, Con Air, Remember the Titans, Star Trek: Nemesis) to collaborations with artists including Christina Aguilera, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, and Sarah Vaughn.

Since establishing Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in 2000, he has built one of Los Angeles's most dynamic jazz ensembles while continuing to conduct with major symphony orchestras across North America and Europe. His albums have broken new ground in recording technology and earned consistent Grammy recognition. Goodwin's jazz writing combines orchestral sophistication with the swagger and precision that comes from decades spent between the concert hall, the recording studio, and the bandstand.

Why we love this

Goodwin has mastered the balance between accessibility and musicianship that makes Grade 3 charts so effective in the classroom. The modal harmony and flexible solo section invite individual voice while the written solos give students a scaffold to build real jazz phrasing, and the overall energy never dips into territory that feels compromised for the level.

What to expect

The mood is relaxed and groovy, with that characteristic Goodwin confidence that never sacrifices intensity for the sake of appearing easygoing. Modal harmony and medium swing create a sophisticated pocket that feels modern and fun to play.

Who it's for

This chart works well for jazz ensembles at the high school level and developing college groups. The Grade 3 difficulty sits right at the point where students can handle independent melodic and harmonic responsibilities without being overwhelmed by technical demands.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the swing feel early in rehearsal by working with the rhythm section first. The laid-back quality at 140 BPM requires conviction from the drums and bass to anchor the soloists.
  • Rotate soloists through the written parts during sectional rehearsals so players understand the harmonic movement and can improvise confidently if you choose to open the solos later in the season.
  • Pay attention to the lead trumpet's upper register passages. Goodwin writes to a high B with purpose, so give your lead player adequate preparation time and consider range work in the weeks before performance.

How to use it

Consider this a strong choice for mid-season programming, after your ensemble has developed solid swing feel and intonation but early enough that the optional solo section gives you flexibility as the year progresses. It pairs well alongside standards and gives audiences a taste of contemporary big band composition.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and performing in swing feel at moderate tempo (140 BPM)
  • Understanding modal harmony and how it differs from traditional chord changes
  • Phrasing and articulation appropriate to jazz style
  • Range extension in lead trumpet (written to B above staff)
  • Accompanying soloists while maintaining ensemble texture
  • Optional improvisation and solo interpretation using provided written solos as reference

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