I'll Be Around: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Tomaro respects Wilder's melody while giving the tune room to breathe with intelligent reharmonizations that feel organic rather than imposed. The solo space for trumpet and piano invites real musical conversation instead of perfunctory feature moments, and the orchestration sits perfectly in a Grade 4 ensemble's hands without asking for false virtuosity.

Warm and introspective. The ballad moves at a pace that allows the melody to unfold naturally, and Tomaro's orchestration wraps it in a soft landscape of supporting voices. There's an elegance here that feels earned rather than polished, with enough sophistication in the harmony to keep experienced listeners engaged.

Ensembles at the intermediate level who are ready to move beyond head-and-solo jazz charts into territory that demands sophistication in harmonic listening. This works equally well for groups building a concert repertoire and for combos that want a showcase piece with substance.

• Let the reharmonizations breathe. Resist the urge to rush the harmonic movement; the richness comes from sitting in the chords, not racing through them.
• Shape the ballad with dynamic contour rather than tempo fluctuation. The accompaniment figures establish the groove, so soloists can respond with genuine phrasing without losing the pulse.
• Balance the solo voices against the ensemble texture. The rhythm section should support rather than overshadow the trumpet and piano, creating space for melodic prominence.

Pair this with uptempo ensemble pieces to demonstrate range and control. A ballad this well crafted deserves a spot in a concert where your ensemble can show they understand dynamics, phrasing, and the art of accompaniment alongside featured playing.

• Listening to harmonic movement and responding with flexible intonation
• Accompanying a soloist while maintaining ensemble texture and balance
• Interpreting reharmonized chord changes in context
• Phrasing as a section while allowing individual expression
• Understanding the role of rhythm section in supporting rather than dominating