Come Fly With Me: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the essence of swing without overwhelming a developing ensemble. The balance between rhythmic propulsion and accessible ranges means your students can focus on style and articulation rather than struggling with high notes or complex rhythms. It's an excellent introduction to jazz phrasing that doesn't sacrifice authenticity.

Smooth, sophisticated, and surprisingly swinging. The tune glides along with the relaxed confidence of a jet setting off for adventure, all elegance and forward motion. Players and listeners alike will find themselves moving to the groove.

Beginning jazz ensembles ready to tackle their first standard with style and confidence. Intermediate concert bands looking to add a legitimate jazz piece to their repertoire without stage fright. Conductors seeking an accessible entry point to teaching swing feel and jazz articulation.

• Shape the articulation in the rhythm section to land squarely on beats 2 and 4. That backbeat is what gives swing its buoyancy.
• Allow the sax and trumpet soloists space to breathe during their passages. Resist the urge to keep the ensemble in constant motion behind them.
• Work the ensemble sections to achieve a unified tone quality and balanced blend. The "tutti" moments are where your group shines as a cohesive unit.
• Pay attention to dynamics marked in the parts. Subtle shifts in volume help shape the cool, sophisticated character of the original.

Use this as the centerpiece of a jazz or pops concert where you want to introduce swing vocabulary to your audience. It pairs well with other mid-century standards and works particularly effectively in a mixed program that moves from classical to contemporary styles. Consider programming it mid-concert where it can lift the energy without requiring the dramatic buildup a closing number might demand.

• Swing articulation and rhythmic feel (straight eighths vs. swung eighths)
• Phrase shaping and dynamic control in an ensemble setting
• Solo section negotiation and ensemble backing techniques
• Listening for blend and balance in saxophone and trumpet sections
• Understanding jazz history through a canonical standard