Whodunnit?: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Goodwin's blues-swing approach here strips away pretense in favor of groove and collective power. The shout chorus lands with the kind of force that makes a rehearsal room snap to attention, rewarding sections that nail ensemble precision while the optional percussion voicings add textural flexibility for programs with varying instrumentation.

A confident swagger built on blues sensibilities and big band tradition. The bluesy undertow pairs with swinging eighth-note feels and sudden dynamic shifts, creating a piece that breathes with the ease of a seasoned groove while the shout chorus delivers pure collective power.

Advanced high school and college jazz ensembles with strong saxophone sections and solid rhythm section players. Directors seeking a showpiece that combines technical demands with audience appeal will find this particularly useful; it performs well in concert settings while stretching ensemble musicianship.

• Build the sax section's confidence early. These voicings demand blend and intonation across the full range; regular sectional work on the ensemble figures prevents the section from fragmenting under pressure.
• Treat the shout chorus as a collective moment rather than a string of solos. Each section enters with specific articulation and dynamic control; mark those entry points clearly and rehearse the transitions between sections as musical conversations.
• Use the excerpt recording to model the style. Goodwin's own Big Phat Band performance demonstrates the swagger and rhythmic pocket that lifts this chart from the page, especially in how the rhythm section locks beneath the horn lines.
• Balance optional parts based on your ensemble's depth. The vibe and flute additions enhance color without being essential; if your second alto cannot comfortably double flute or your percussion section is thin, the core chart stands fully intact.

Program this as a centerpiece rather than a warm-up. Its length and energy make it ideal for a concert's midsection, where an audience is warmed up and ready for something with real muscle. Pair it with a contrasting ballad or bebop chart to showcase your ensemble's range.

• Ensemble balance in tight harmonic voicings (four-part and five-part sax lines)
• Blues phrasing and swing articulation across all sections
• Sectional precision under full-ensemble dynamics
• Rhythmic pocket and groove maintenance over extended passages
• Optional percussion voicing coordination and textural awareness