Imagine What A Change Will Do (T.Kubis)

Written by master jazz composer and arranger Tom Kubis, *"Imagine What A Change Will Do"* stands as a shining example of contemporary big band writing at its finest, capturing the sophisticated yet approachable West Coast jazz idiom that Kubis championed throughout his illustrious career. Rooted in the post-swing, modern mainstream big band tradition—drawing stylistic lineage from the rich harmonic palettes of arrangement legends like Bill Holman and Sammy Nestico—this composition reflects Kubis's signature penchant for optimism, intricate yet infectious grooves, and impeccably balanced ensemble textures. Rather than looking strictly backward to the swing era, the piece embodies the vibrant studio-orchestra energy of late-20th-century Los Angeles jazz, where precision meets unbridled soul. Stylistically, the work thrives on a driving, buoyant medium-up swing feel propelled by an interactive rhythm section and tight, punchy horn alignments. The harmonic landscape is rich with extended and altered chords, yet Kubis anchors these modern voicings with melodic clarity and memorable thematic hooks that immediately draw listeners in. The mood shifts effortlessly from introspective, lush saxophone solis to high-octane, brass-heavy shout choruses that demand absolute dynamic control and crisp articulation. The arrangement opens with an inviting thematic statement before expanding into a series of sophisticated developmental sections, utilizing subtle modulations and clever counterpoint to keep both the performers and the audience thoroughly engaged from downbeat to final chord. Tom Kubis’s arranging approach is immediately recognizable in the meticulous voice-leading and the clever distribution of material across the 17-piece ensemble. The saxophones act as a unified, fluid choir capable of executing lightning-fast bebop-inflected lines as well as warm, harmonically dense block-chord textures. The brass section is deployed strategically: trumpets handle soaring counter-melodies and brilliant upper-structure accents, while trombones provide a rich, warm cushion that anchors the harmony. Featured solo space allows improvisers to stretch out over changes that are challenging yet deeply rewarding, built upon sturdy traditional jazz foundations with just enough modern twist to spark genuine creativity. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this chart to be an exceptional centerpiece for concerts, festivals, and recording sessions. While the technical demands—particularly regarding articulation uniformity, stylistic swing accuracy, and endurance—require a competent band, the intrinsic logic of Kubis’s writing makes the notes "sit" naturally under the fingers. The 40-page conductor score provides comprehensive roadmap details, ensuring that directors can meticulously balance the intricate interplay between sections, making the rehearsal process as musically fulfilling as the final performance. Achieving an authentic performance of *"Imagine What A Change Will Do"* requires precise attention to articulation, particularly the short-long eighth-note phrasing essential to the medium-up swing groove. The tempo must remain relentlessly steady; resist the urge to rush the shout choruses, as the rhythmic impact relies heavily on a locked-in rhythm section driving a relaxed, confident macro-beat. Horn players should carefully balance dynamic markings, ensuring that background figures never inadvertently mask the featured soloists or primary melody carriers. Pay special attention to the dynamic swells and drops written into the brass section, utilizing clean falls and doits where indicated without over-exaggerating them into caricature. Rehearsals should initially focus on sectional isolation—specifically getting the saxophone soli locked in rhythmically at a slower tempo before bringing it up to performance speed. Directors should demand crisp, unified tongue-strokes from the trumpets and trombones to execute Kubis's signature accented syncopations with maximum crispness and modern big band polish. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band, consisting of 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a standard 4-piece rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums), plus a comprehensive 40-page conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: It is graded as advanced, making it best suited for accomplished high school jazz ensembles, collegiate bands, and professional groups equipped with strong section reading skills and experienced soloists. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: Composed in the contemporary West Coast big band tradition by Tom Kubis, the piece features a driving medium-up swing feel that blends post-bop harmonic sophistication with the bright, optimistic energy of modern studio jazz writing. Q: What makes this Tom Kubis arrangement unique? A: It showcases Kubis's masterclass balancing of lush, harmonically rich saxophone solis with high-energy brass shout choruses, all anchored by clever voice-leading and infectious melodic motifs that keep performers and listeners captivated. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The arrangement is built around a driving, energetic medium swing tempo in 4/4 time, offering a substantial performance length ideal for festival competition setlists or headline concert programming.