Vehicle: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Ralph Ford's arrangement captures the swagger and energy of the original without overwhelming a young ensemble. The written-out trombone solo gives your section a genuine moment to shine, while the optional high trumpet note lets advanced players stretch without requiring it. It's the kind of chart that builds confidence because students feel like they're playing something real and substantial.

Driving and anthemic, with the kind of rock energy that makes students sit up straighter. The trombone solo adds character and personality, while the ensemble sections deliver that satisfying, propulsive feel of a band all moving together through a familiar, powerful song.

This is for ensembles ready to tackle a rock chart with genuine stylistic demands. You need students who can handle syncopated rhythms with precision, a trombone section with at least one player who can navigate the featured solo, and a rhythm section that understands groove and pocket playing.

• Lock the rhythm section into a tight pocket from the first rehearsal. The groove is the foundation for everything else, so spend time getting the kick drum, bass, and chords locked together before layering in the full ensemble.
• Shape the trombone solo with intention. It's written out for a reason, so work on phrasing and dynamics that make it sound conversational, not mechanical.
• Balance the trumpet section carefully on the high passages. If you have someone capable of that optional A, let them own it, but don't sacrifice ensemble blend in the lower voices trying to reach it.
• Keep the energy level consistent from rehearsal to performance. This chart thrives on momentum and confidence, so maintain that conviction even in slower sections.

This works perfectly as a spring or end-of-year concert closer, especially if you're pairing concert band and jazz ensemble on the same program. It also fits well in a pops or community concert context where audiences recognize the source material and respond to the energy. Use it to bridge the gap between students who think they only want to play classical and those ready to commit to ensemble playing.

• Reading and executing syncopated rhythms in a rock/jazz context
• Playing with pocket and groove rather than metronomic precision
• Balancing ensemble sound with featured solo passages
• Interpreting dynamics and phrasing in contemporary music
• Coordinating rhythm section communication (bass, drums, chords)