Crazy Little Thing Called Love (arr. Rick Stitzel): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Rick Stitzel captures the swagger and propulsive energy of Queen's original without demanding heavy rehearsal investment or specialized soloing. The melody rotation keeps every section engaged, while that stop-time clapping section gives the whole ensemble a moment to lock in together, making this feel like a real performance moment rather than just another chart.

Propulsive and playful, with the kind of rhythmic groove that makes sitting still difficult. The shuffle lays back just enough to feel cool while the melody trades create constant forward motion and energy.

Directors looking for a Grade 1.5 chart that entertains without requiring extensive rehearsal time or advanced soloists. Ensembles that need something current and recognizable to engage audiences while building foundational ensemble skills.

• Lock the shuffle pocket early in rehearsals. Even though the tempo is medium, the rhythmic feel is everything here, so spend time getting the entire rhythm section synced before layering in melody voices.
• Keep the stop-time clapping section tight and punchy. Mark the exact dynamics and articulation needed for that section so it lands with real impact and doesn't drag.
• Trade the melody smoothly between sections. Since the lead passes around the band, make sure handoffs happen cleanly with no gaps or overlapping attacks between sections.

Perfect for a winter or spring concert that needs a pop moment to break up classical programming. It works especially well as a closer that sends the audience out smiling, or earlier in a set to shift the energy and wake up the room.

• Shuffle rhythm interpretation and swing feel
• Passing melody lines cleanly between sections
• Precision in stop-time rhythmic figures
• Listening and locking into ensemble groove
• Trading and call-response phrasing