Haven't Met You Yet: Guitar Chords

Scott Ragsdale's arrangement captures the warmth and accessibility that made this tune a worldwide hit while giving your jazz ensemble a genuinely fun, audience-pleasing vehicle that doesn't sacrifice musicianship. The Grade 3 voicings stay playable for student sections, but the soloist gets to shine in a contemporary pop-jazz context that students actually want to perform.

Optimistic and ebullient, with the characteristic smoothness of modern jazz-pop production. The arrangement balances sophistication with genuine lightness, creating a performance that feels both polished and approachable.

Jazz ensemble directors who want to feature a vocal soloist in a contemporary, commercially successful arrangement that appeals to audiences of all ages. Vocal soloists seeking a Grade 3 jazz vehicle that sits comfortably within a standard high school or early college jazz ensemble format.

• Balance the vocal line prominently in the mix; the ensemble's role is to support and color the melody rather than compete for attention.
• Shape the phrasing with the vocalist, allowing space for interpretive freedom in rubato passages while keeping the ensemble rhythmically anchored.
• Attend to the lead trumpet's range at written A above the staff; confirm your lead player's comfort at this height during early rehearsals and consider transposition or doubling strategies if needed.
• Lock the rhythm section with clarity on the groove; a solid bassist and drummer foundation will give the soloist confidence and keep the ensemble cohesive.

Program this as a spring or end-of-year concert piece to close a set on an uplifting note, or use it mid-program to shift the energy and engage the audience with a widely recognized melody. It pairs well alongside classic jazz standards, offering a clear contrast that demonstrates your ensemble's stylistic range.

• Accompanying a vocal soloist with sensitivity and rhythmic precision
• Reading and performing contemporary jazz voicings at Grade 3 level
• Balancing section blend while supporting a featured melodic line
• Interpreting swing and groove-based rhythms in a pop-jazz context
• Managing wide instrumental ranges (lead trumpet written A above staff)