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Dreamsville: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Arranged by John Berry

Grade: 2

Item: 35-PK00419363

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$40.00

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Description
Lush and silky aptly describe Henry Mancini's classic ballad. Nothing fancy here, just nicely scored harmonies and melodies for young players. A beautiful ballad for festivals, or change of pace for concerts.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00419363

More about this title

About the Arranger: John Berry

John Berry has established himself as one of the most prolific and respected arrangers for young jazz ensembles. His arrangements balance accessibility with musical integrity, consistently finding ways to let developing players sound sophisticated without overwhelming them technically.

Berry's work across multiple levels demonstrates a deep understanding of how students learn and perform. His scores favor clear voice leading, singable lines, and harmonic writing that rewards careful listening, making him a trusted resource for directors building jazz programs.

Why we love this

Berry captures everything that makes Mancini's songwriting genius work for young ensembles. The harmonies sit beautifully, the melodic lines are expressive without requiring virtuosic technique, and the overall effect feels genuinely sophisticated rather than simplified. Your students will sound like musicians, not students playing down material.

What to expect

Silky and unhurried, with the warmth of a late-night lounge filtered through clear, accessible harmony. The melody unfolds naturally over lush but never cluttered voicings, creating an intimate soundworld that feels intimate and inviting.

Who it's for

Jazz ensembles solidifying their fundamentals and ready for repertoire that rewards musicianship. This arrangement works equally well for a developing high school group or a dedicated middle school jazz ensemble seeking material with genuine substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melody with consistent phrasing across sections; a ballad only breathes when players understand where phrases begin and end.
  • Balance the accompaniment voices so they support rather than compete with the melody. Section leaders should internalize their harmonic role.
  • Let the rhythm section breathe naturally. Mancini's style thrives on a relaxed, walking pulse rather than metronomic precision.
  • Bring out subtle color changes in the harmony by requesting that players listen horizontally to their own lines, not just vertically to the blend.

How to use it

Pair this with up-tempo swing charts to demonstrate range and flexibility within a concert. It also serves beautifully as a change of pace during festival appearances, where it showcases your ensemble's maturity and control without requiring the highest technical demands.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing melody against harmonic accompaniment
  • Sustaining tone quality in slower tempos
  • Listening to and supporting harmonic function within ensemble texture
  • Executing clean entrances and releases in ballad style
  • Phrasing and shaping longer melodic lines with direction

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