A Waltz for Patrice: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Taylor's waltz time approach to jazz feels fresh without gimmickry; the flugel and tenor sax duet is genuinely lovely rather than showboating. The ensemble scoring avoids busywork and gives the rest of your section players moments that feel integral to the piece, which keeps everyone engaged through rehearsal and performance.

Sophisticated yet inviting; the waltz meter gives it an elegant, almost classical-jazz quality while the harmony and articulation keep it firmly in jazz tradition. The overall mood is warm and flowing, with moments of gentle sophistication that reward attentive listening.

Jazz ensembles at the Grade 5 level with a rhythm section that can lock into swing feel and soloists who can phrase with maturity. This works especially well for groups with strong flugel and tenor sax players who can blend intimately on the feature duet.

• Balance the flugel and tenor sax duet so both voices emerge equally; many players will favor the higher register, so check that your tenor saxophonist is heard.
• Keep the waltz pulse buoyant but never rushed. Three beats should feel like they're floating rather than counted, which requires rhythmic confidence from your rhythm section.
• Shape the ensemble features with dynamics and tone color variation. These passages are scored to shine, so treat them as small solos rather than filler.

Place this as a change-of-pace ballad or second number in a jazz concert to showcase your soloists and break up a program of faster tunes. It pairs well before or after a blues or uptempo swing chart, giving the audience and your students breathing room while maintaining musical substance.

• Phrasing and tone control in a jazz waltz meter
• Balancing duet textures with ensemble voicings
• Reading and executing sophisticated jazz articulation and dynamics
• Listening and blending in small group settings within an ensemble context