The Pursuit of Funkiness – Full Score

Description

Composer/educator Michele Fernández has a wonderful reputation for her Latin compositions, but “The Pursuit of Funkiness”” serves notice that her funk charts are happening as well. Written for the 2024 Maine All State Jazz Ensemble, this is a chart that you will want to program as soon as you hear it.

Program Notes

Rehearsal Notes for the Conductor:

1. In keeping with the title “The Pursuit of Funkiness”: this Funk chart has an Afro-Latin Twist and actually simulates a car chase, where car horns, engines revving and police sirens (Doppler Effect) are heard throughout as represented by the horns in select sections.
2. This is not a Latin chart, It is primarily a Funk chart, but with subtle Afro-Latin undertones covered by Congas and so a clave pattern should never be added. As with all Funk styles, extra crisp and clear articulation in the horns is crucial in delivering the intended feel.
3. Drum set player should carefully adhere to the two main written patterns (m. 5 and m. 41), in order to establish the intended rhythmic feel. The Hi-Hat pattern from m.5- 39 must never be reduced to 1/4 notes or the chart will lose its drive (Hi-Hat should remain with the 8th notes as written). The pattern change at m. 41 is especially important to play as written in order to capture the Funk/Subtle-Latin hybrid, so the conductor should please take extra care to make sure the drummer is playing the written pattern at m. 41 (slowly at first, with a metronome).
4. The bass drum and bass guitar should be tightly aligned at all times – as in all Funk or Afro-Latin styles. Percussion should always follow the dynamics, as should the horns.
5. Aux perc (Congas) is crucial. An “extra” wind player can cover the part, as it requires no prior knowledge of perc techniques or Latin styles.
6. Solo sections: Guitar/Piano should play close attention to articulations as would the horns, and also avoid busy, simultaneous comping by alternating roles (padding vs. rhythmic) or by taking turns laying out.