Baby, It's Cold Outside: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Frank Loesser / Arranged by Rick Stitzel
Grade: 1-2
Item: 35-PK00157848
$40.00
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Description
This well-known standard is usually performed as a duet and has been recorded countless times over the years. This charming arrangement for beginning players features the saxes and trumpets in the answering phrases. No solos are required, however an alto soloist could be used in one of the soli sections. This will sound great with limited rehearsal time.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00157848
More about this title
About the Composer: Frank Loesser
Frank Loesser (1910–1969) was an American songwriter and composer whose gifts for melody and wit made him one of the most performed writers in American musical theater. Trained as a classical pianist, he shifted toward popular songwriting in the 1930s and became known for his ability to craft songs that worked equally well in intimate settings and grand productions. His output spanned film scores, Broadway musicals (including 'Guys and Dolls'), and standards that have remained fixtures of the American songbook for generations.
Loesser's legacy in music education stems partly from his structural clarity and harmonic sophistication. His melodies sit naturally in the voice or on instruments, making his music ideal for students learning to balance phrasing with technical demands. Teachers return to his work repeatedly because it teaches musicality without getting in the way of learning fundamentals.
Why we love this
Rick Stitzel's arrangement strips away the vocal comedy that defines the original while preserving the tune's infectious charm. Beginning ensembles rarely get repertoire that sounds complete and polished with minimal rehearsal, which makes this a practical choice for holiday concerts without sacrificing musical quality. The optional alto solo gives you flexibility based on your section's confidence levels.
What to expect
Gentle and good-natured. The melody has a warmth that comes from its simplicity, and the saxes and trumpets trade greetings like friends catching up. It lands somewhere between a cozy winter scene and the anticipatory joy of the holiday season.
Who it's for
This works for beginning jazz ensembles tackling their first holiday program or directors seeking accessible standards that don't require soloists to carry the load. It's equally valuable for mixed ability groups where you want everyone contributing meaningfully without isolating strong players.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the trade-offs between saxes and trumpets carefully. These call-and-response sections define the tune's character, so neither section should overpower the rhythm section's groove.
- Keep the tempo light and conversational rather than driving. The original song lives in charm, not in relentless forward motion.
- Shape phrases as though the instruments are trading quips. Listen for natural breathing points where the answering sections can punch in with personality.
How to use it
Slot this into the middle of a holiday concert after a festive opener but before anything heavy. It gives your audience a moment to settle in and smile while showcasing how much your young ensemble can accomplish together. The brief rehearsal time needed makes it especially valuable if you're programming a longer set or managing overlapping concert preparation.
Skills your students will build
- Balanced blend within trumpet and saxophone sections
- Call-and-response phrasing and entrances
- Groove-based comping and time feel
- Reading swing articulation in a jazz context
- Optional: solo construction and improvisation (if using the alto solo feature)