Emily: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Lisa DeSpain's arrangement cuts straight to the pedagogical heart of the piece without sacrificing musicality. The modest range and straightforward 3/4 feel give young ensembles the breathing room to focus on the real work: how phrases shape themselves, how one phrase connects to the next, and what vibrato and slurs actually do to a line's character. This is a chart that teaches by doing.

Emily unfolds with the unhurried elegance of a classic waltz, warm and conversational. The melody has a lyrical quality that invites connection; players feel the shape of each phrase in their bodies and voices, and the jazz rhythm underneath keeps everything grounded and contemporary rather than precious.

This score is designed for jazz ensemble directors working with Grade 2 (Medium Easy) ensembles that are ready to move beyond basic sight-reading toward genuine musicianship. Young musicians with a few years of experience will find the technical demands manageable and the musical questions genuinely engaging.

• Shape each phrase as a complete thought rather than a series of individual notes. Have the trombone and tenor sax breathe together and listen to how their lines support one another, especially during the melody statement.
• Anchor the 3/4 feel with a steady, unrushed rhythm section. The waltz character depends on the groove sitting in the pocket, which gives the soloists room to explore phrasing without losing the foundation.
• Encourage the rhythm section to listen to how the written and ad lib trombone solos approach the melody differently. Discuss with the ensemble how a solo can be faithful to a tune while still reflecting the soloist's voice.
• Pay attention to where vibrato enters and exits. Use this piece to explore the difference between a straight, secure tone and one that opens up with vibrato at the phrase peak.

Program this as a contrasting feature within a jazz ensemble concert, especially if surrounded by faster or more energetic selections. Its moderate length and approachable style make it an excellent piece for a concert dedicated to melody and phrasing, or as a vehicle to showcase your trombone and tenor sax soloists in a more intimate setting than a blues or bebop tune would allow.

• Shaping and connecting phrases across musical lines
• Reading and interpreting waltz feel in 3/4 time
• Understanding how vibrato and articulation color a melodic line
• Listening to and supporting a melodic soloist
• Maintaining a steady groove while responding to solo improvisation