I Can't Help It: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Tomaro's arrangement captures the groove and harmonic richness of the original while keeping the ensemble engaged throughout. The samba inflection adds color without overwhelming the familiar melody, giving your students access to a tune they likely know while introducing them to rhythmic styles beyond straight-ahead swing.

Warm and accessible, with enough rhythmic sophistication to feel fresh. The samba groove brings a tropical lightness that pairs beautifully with Stevie Wonder's original chord progressions, creating an arrangement that feels both familiar and artfully reimagined.

Jazz ensembles at the high school and college level who want to program something recognizable and engaging without sacrificing musical substance. Players benefit from the chance to apply jazz vocabulary to a pop standard they already know.

• Lock the samba rhythm in the kick drum and bass line first; everything else follows once that pulse is solid and confident.
• Balance the melody between sections rather than stacking it all on reeds. Passing the main line around keeps the texture alive and lets different players showcase their tone.
• Treat the jazz harmonies as the harmonic foundation, not decoration. Young players sometimes rush over chord tones when they should land on them with intention.
• Record a rehearsal and listen for transparency in the voicings. Grade 4 ensemble writing can muddy quickly if everyone plays at the same dynamic.

This works perfectly as a bridge between formal jazz repertoire and pop music that resonates with audiences. Consider programming it mid-set to shift energy and remind listeners why your ensemble studies standards from the songbook they actually grew up listening to.

• Playing samba rhythms with precision and groove
• Voice leading through jazz harmony changes
• Trading melody and harmony between sections
• Balancing section texture and dynamic control
• Interpreting swing feel within a non-swing context