Cute: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Mike Story's arrangement keeps Hefti's swinging charm intact while building in genuine success for young players. The drum solo is written out clearly rather than left open-ended, giving your drummer a structured feature that still sounds impressive and gives the ensemble something satisfying to support. This is the kind of tune where beginners sound seasoned.

Effortless and groovy. CUTE has the kind of swinging energy that makes an audience lean in; it's lighthearted without being trivial, and the rhythm section bounce is instantly infectious. When your ensemble finds the pocket, this tune feels like a conversation between friends rather than a scored exercise.

Beginning jazz ensembles and first-year jazz programs looking for material that sounds polished and professional. The accessible ranges and flexible instrumentation mean you can field the ensemble with whatever instruments you have on hand and still achieve a convincing result.

• Lock the rhythm section into a relaxed swing feel; the chart lives or dies on how settled the drums and bass sit together, so spend rehearsal time cementing that foundation before layering in the horns.
• Balance the drum feature carefully so the soloist projects without overwhelming the ensemble's accompaniment; the written parts are designed to support, not disappear.
• Encourage the drummer to listen for the call-and-response moments with the brass; these exchanges are written clearly and should feel conversational, not mechanical.

Program this as a confidence builder early in the year or as a standalone feature that showcases your drummer to parents and colleagues. The tune's classic Basie pedigree gives it concert credibility while its accessibility makes it an ideal piece for demonstrating what first-year jazz students can accomplish.

• Reading and maintaining swing subdivision in ensemble context
• Balance and blend in a full jazz texture with clear part independence
• Responding to drum features as an accompanying ensemble
• Navigating safe, musical ranges and playing within technical comfort zones