Easy to Love: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Paul Baker's arrangement captures Porter's sophistication while keeping the ensemble writing accessible for Grade 2.5 players. The sax section soli are colorful and fun without demanding virtuosity, the trumpet lead sits in a comfortable range, and the written-out solos give younger soloists the security of prepared material rather than expecting them to navigate changes independently. This is a standard that sounds genuinely swinging and orchestrated when performed well, which means your students will hear themselves playing real jazz, not just learning it.

Smooth and sophisticated, with a relaxed swing feel that lets the melody breathe. The arrangement balances ensemble tutti moments with small-group soli work, creating a dynamic sound that never feels thin despite the medium-easy grade level.

Jazz ensemble directors working with Grade 2.5 ensembles who want to program a genuine standard without oversimplifying the arrangement. This score works equally well for contest preparation or concert performance, and the flexibility of optional parts means you can scale the ensemble to match your instrumentation.

• Keep the forward momentum steady at 154 BPM; younger ensembles often drag swing tunes, so set a clear pulse in rehearsal and use it as your anchor throughout.
• Balance the sax section soli carefully against the rest of the ensemble; these moments should shine without drowning out the harmonic support underneath.
• Work the written-out solos as ensemble passages first, then invite your strongest players to own those moments with confidence and personal phrasing once the notes are solid.
• Pay attention to articulation and section cohesion in the tutti sections; tight ensemble playing at this tempo will make the arrangement sound polished and professional.

Include this as a showcase standard on a jazz concert, or use it as your ensemble's contest piece when you want something that swings authentically without demanding extreme technical demands. At 3 minutes 50 seconds, it's substantial enough to anchor a jazz set but short enough to pair with another feature.

• Swing articulation and phrasing at tempo
• Reading and balancing soli sections against ensemble texture
• Understanding chord changes and harmonic movement in a standard
• Responding to solo passages and trading parts within an ensemble context
• Navigating a lead part with upper register security