Blue Sky for a Rainy Day: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

$6.00 USD

Blue Sky for a Rainy Day: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Name: Blue Sky for a Rainy Day: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-JE4127S
Price: 6.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Erik Morales

Grade: 3

Item: 98-JE4127S

$6.00

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Blue Sky for a Rainy Day is a ballad based on a contemporary bossa nova groove. This piece can be used to work on tuning and rhythmic accuracy within each section of the ensemble.

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Series: FJH Intermediate Jazz Ensemble

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444608104

SKU: 98-JE4127S

More about this title

About the Composer: Erik Morales

Erik Morales began composing during his high school years in south Florida, when his former band director commissioned arrangements for the marching band in 1985. That early opportunity launched a prolific career spanning classical, jazz, and commercial idioms. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette (1989) and studied composition at Florida International University, establishing a compositional voice rooted in strong melodic and harmonic sensibility.

With trumpet as his primary instrument, Morales has created over 150 published works across wind, orchestral, jazz, and chamber settings, many of which have been performed internationally. His trumpet ensemble works have earned recognition at the National Trumpet Competitions, and his Concerto for Trumpet in C and Piano was premiered at the 2009 International Trumpet Guild conference. In 2016, he was inducted into the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education's Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Morales has balanced artistic ambition with pedagogical clarity, making his work accessible to student ensembles while maintaining musical substance.

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Why we love this

Morales understands how to write for young jazz ensembles without oversimplifying the musical content. The contemporary bossa nova groove sits naturally for intermediate players while the ballad structure gives the band a chance to listen carefully to ensemble blend and intonation in a texturally lean setting where individual voices matter.

What to expect

Calm and introspective. The ballad melody drifts over a steady, modern bossa nova pulse that feels more restrained than upbeat. There's a contemplative quality to the harmonic movement that rewards close listening from both the ensemble and the audience.

Who it's for

Jazz ensemble directors seeking repertoire that develops rhythmic discipline and listening skills in intermediate bands. This piece works especially well for ensembles ready to move beyond swing into contemporary Latin grooves while maintaining the pedagogical focus on intonation and sectional blend.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the melody against the rhythm section by having the soloist sit back slightly during rehearsal; the bossa nova groove can easily overpower a ballad line if the accompaniment isn't controlled.
Lock the ride cymbal and bass into a steady bossa nova pulse before adding other voices; this rhythmic foundation makes tuning and ensemble accuracy much clearer to all players.
Work through the piece without the melody first to establish groove consistency across the rhythm section, then layer in horns once the foundation is secure.
Listen for uniformity in articulation within each section; contemporary bossa grooves depend on matched attack and release more than traditional jazz swing does.

How to use it

Program this as a concert ballad that contrasts with higher-energy jazz selections on the same concert, or use it as a final-set closer to send the audience out in a reflective mood. It also serves as an excellent sectional rehearsal piece for developing tuning awareness across the entire jazz band.