Any Way You Want It (arr. Rick Stitzel): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the energy and hook-laden appeal of this 80s staple while keeping the technical demands low enough that your section leaders can actually focus on musicality rather than survival. Your jazz ensemble will sound polished and professional immediately, and the familiarity of the tune means students arrive in rehearsal already engaged rather than needing to be sold on the repertoire.

Immediate energy and accessibility meet genuine musicianship. The groove sits in that sweet spot between rock and jazz where good ensemble playing feels natural rather than forced, and your musicians will find themselves genuinely enjoying the sound they're producing together.

Young jazz ensembles at the high school or middle school level who need repertoire that excites both the students and their audiences. This arrangement works equally well for jazz bands building their first concert program or developing ensembles looking to add a crowd-pleasing standard to their rotation.

• Let the rhythm section establish the groove first in sectional rehearsals. This tune hinges on a locked, propulsive feel; if your bass, drums, and guitar lock together early, the horns can concentrate on punch and precision rather than rushing.
• Balance the melodic statement between saxophone and trumpet sections so neither overwhelms the other. The iconic melody works best when both voices have equal clarity and confidence.
• Emphasize the rhythmic articulation in the ensemble hits. Clean, synchronized attacks on chord stabs will make this arrangement sparkle without requiring advanced technique.

Drop this into a concert program where you want an unambiguous hit that brings the audience in. It pairs well with both jazz standards and contemporary jazz repertoire, and works especially effectively as an opener or closer when you want to establish immediate connection with the crowd.

• Groove-based rhythmic accuracy and ensemble cohesion
• Melodic phrasing and sectional balance within a popular music context
• Clean articulation and synchronization in ensemble hits
• Jazz comping patterns and rhythm section interdependence