Un Poquito Latino (A Little Bit Latin): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

A bright, infectious Latin groove that moves with buoyant energy. The piece captures the warmth and rhythmic vitality of Latin jazz while keeping the ensemble writing clean and playable, creating a performance that feels both polished and genuinely fun.

First-year jazz ensemble members who are ready to experience Latin jazz styles with structured, written solos that build confidence. This works equally well for programs with full instrumentation or those using the reduced six-part voicing for smaller groups.

• Balance the Latin rhythm section with the written solos; the clave pattern should anchor everything, so make sure your drummer locks into it early during sectional rehearsals.
• Spend time on articulation consistency in the saxophone section during the unison passages. Latin jazz demands a crisp, unified attack that projects the infectious energy of the piece.
• Have your guitarist practice the provided chord frames in context before full ensemble rehearsal so they can focus on comping feel rather than decoding notation.

Program this early in your jazz ensemble season to establish groove-based playing and comfort with Latin rhythms. It pairs well with swing standards in a concert and provides an accessible entry point for students discovering jazz beyond bebop conventions.

• Reading and playing authentic Latin jazz rhythms and clave patterns
• Executing written jazz solos with appropriate articulation and phrasing
• Balancing ensemble texture when rhythm section foundation is essential
• Interpreting chord voicings and comping rhythms in jazz context
• Listening to rhythm section interdependence in Latin grooves