Chase the Clouds Away: 2nd B-flat Trumpet

Mike Lewis's arrangement strips away complexity without sacrificing musicality, letting young ensembles focus on ensemble cohesion and phrasing rather than individual heroics. The unison writing and thirds harmony build confidence while maintaining the emotional core that makes this ballad memorable; it's the kind of piece that sounds polished after solid rehearsal without requiring virtuosos.

Haunting and introspective, with a lyrical warmth that unfolds gradually. The piece invites players to listen to one another and shape phrases together, creating a meditative quality that feels sophisticated despite its accessibility.

Young jazz ensembles looking for a ballad that builds ensemble playing without overwhelming inexperienced soloists. This works well for groups transitioning from method book etudes to real jazz literature and for directors seeking accessible contest or festival material.

• Shape the melody through subtle dynamic shaping rather than dramatic swells; a ballad this lyrical benefits from restraint and letting the harmony support the line.
• Balance the trumpet section carefully in unison passages so the line sings as one voice without anyone dominating the texture.
• Maintain consistent harmonic blend in the thirds figures; this is where younger players often expose intonation, so spend rehearsal time locking the voicing vertically.
• Set a breathing pattern early and enforce it across the ensemble so the phrasing feels deliberate and unified rather than ragged.

Program this as a concert centerpiece for a younger jazz group, pairing it with uptempo selections to showcase range. It also serves well as a festival entry where musicality and balance matter more than technical dazzle, or as a featured warmup piece early in the season to establish ensemble listening habits.

• Balancing melody and harmony in ensemble contexts
• Maintaining consistent intonation in sustained harmonic textures
• Shaping phrasing collaboratively without a conductor's constant input
• Reading and playing jazz articulation and style with accuracy