What'd I Say: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Ray Charles / Arranged by Michael Sweeney
Grade: 1-2
Item: 35-PK00118185
$45.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| What'd I Say - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Bass | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Drums | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Aux Percussion | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Flute | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Bb Clarinet 1 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Bb Clarinet 2 | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Tuba | $6.00 | |
| What'd I Say - Piano | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
From the driving rock style to the familiar call and response refrain, this easy arrangement of the Ray Charles classic will be fun to play and easy to learn.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00118185
More about this title
About the Composer: Ray Charles
Ray Charles (1930-2004) fundamentally changed American music by dissolving boundaries between gospel, blues, jazz, and popular song. Blind from childhood, he developed an ear of legendary precision and built a sound that combined sophisticated harmonic sensibility with raw emotional directness. For music educators, Charles represents a crucial bridge in 20th century popular music; his arrangements and compositions model how to honor tradition while creating something entirely original.
What makes Charles essential to any jazz curriculum is his understanding of the ensemble. He wrote for horn sections with the same rigor a classical composer brings to an orchestra, and his rhythmic innovations influenced generations of funk and soul musicians. "What'd I Say" exemplifies his gift for creating infectious grooves that also showcase individual musicianship.
Why we love this
Michael Sweeney's arrangement captures the irresistible energy of the original without overwhelming young players. The call and response structure gives every section moments to shine while keeping the ensemble locked in a groove that feels natural and propulsive. At grades 1-2, this is the rare pop tune that teaches real musicianship rather than just fun.
What to expect
Infectious and joyful. The arrangement carries the swagger and confidence of the original without demanding virtuosity; players feel the groove from the first rehearsal. There's an easy confidence here, the kind that comes from playing music with roots in real life rather than exercise books.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the beginner to early intermediate level who are ready to step beyond standards and into genuine popular music. Directors looking to program something that connects with students' musical world while reinforcing fundamental ensemble skills will find this accessible and motivating.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the groove pocket before worrying about perfect intonation. Let the ensemble feel the rhythm first, then tighten the sound.
- Highlight the call and response exchanges by having those sections sit forward slightly in the mix and respond with conviction rather than timidity.
- Balance the driving rhythmic figures in the horn line so they sit atop the foundation without overshadowing the energy of the rhythm section.
- Record a rehearsal once the piece is performance-ready and listen together as an ensemble. Hearing themselves play this familiar tune builds confidence and pride.
How to use it
This works brilliantly as a contemporary piece sandwiched between classic big band or bebop numbers in a concert; it reminds audiences why this music matters to young musicians today. Program it in the spring when students have developed enough technique to execute the parts cleanly but still crave repertoire that feels alive and personal.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining a steady groove across multiple choruses
- Responding precisely in call and response textures
- Balancing rhythmic independence (rhythm section) with ensemble cohesion
- Executing the R&B shuffle feel and syncopated rhythms with accuracy
- Listening and matching articulation in a horn section