Whodunnit?: 3rd B-flat Trumpet

Goodwin writes for high school ensembles with the same sophistication and energy he brings to his Grammy-nominated recordings. The shout chorus here delivers genuine excitement and a built-in crowd moment, while the bluesy-swing foundation gives the chart personality beyond technical difficulty. The optional percussion and flute parts show respect for varying ensemble configurations, making this accessible without sacrificing the powerhouse sound his Big Phat Band recordings are known for.

A controlled explosion of blues and swing energy. The chart moves with the easy confidence of a professional big band, building tension through the verse before unleashing the shout chorus as a moment of pure ensemble power. There is sophistication in the arranging choices, but the core feeling is pure joy and swinging groove.

Jazz ensembles with strong saxophone sections and the ability to execute Grade 5 complexities with confidence. This chart suits high school and college groups ready to tackle a piece that demands accuracy and blend across the full ensemble while still rewarding the hard work with genuine musical payoff.

• Spend rehearsal time locking the sax section into the pocket of this chart; Goodwin's bluesy feel depends on unanimity across reeds, and any daylight between saxes will dissolve the shout chorus impact.
• Shape the dynamic contour of the shouting section over multiple rehearsals rather than nailing it all at once. Let the ensemble discover where the natural peaks and valleys sit.
• If you include the optional vibraphone or xylophone part, balance it carefully in the mix so it colors rather than dominates the ensemble texture.
• Record a rehearsal version and listen back as a section or full ensemble; Goodwin's writing rewards precision, and hearing playback reveals rhythmic alignment issues that can be hard to spot in real time.

Program this as a centerpiece for a jazz concert, where it can anchor a second half and showcase your ensemble's technical abilities and section cohesion. It works equally well as a finale slot, where the shout chorus leaves audiences with an indelible memory of your group's sound. The excerpt length and professional pedigree also make it suitable for a jazz showcase or invitational where you want to demonstrate serious musicianship.

• Ensemble blend and precision in the sax section across multiple range registers
• Phrasing and dynamic control in a bluesy-swing style
• Reading complex jazz rhythms and syncopation at Grade 5 difficulty
• Responding to shout chorus arrangements with unified energy and articulation
• Balance between optional and core parts within the ensemble texture