I'm Beginning to See the Light: Drums
I'm Beginning to See the Light: Drums Sheet Music Preview

I'm Beginning to See the Light: Drums

Words and music by Don George, Johnny Hodges, Duke Ellington, and Harry James / arr. Paul Baker

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-PC-0017249_D
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Description
This is a swinger all the way! The tempo can be anywhere between 132--150 BPM and there is a written-out trumpet 2 solo. There's plenty of swingin' ensemble, a great sax section soli, plus optional parts for flute, clarinet, vibes, horn, baritone horn, and tuba. Add in trumpet plungers and sliding trombones and it's all great stuff! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, I'm Beginning to See the Light: Drums comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Young Jazz Ensemble
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 98
SKU: 00-PC-0017249_D

More about this title

About the Composer: Don George

Don George was a prolific songwriter and composer who contributed to the Great American Songbook during the 1940s and beyond. His collaborations with major figures in jazz and popular music, including Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges, resulted in standards that have endured across generations of musicians and arrangers.

Why we love this

Paul Baker's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this classic while keeping the charts accessible for developing ensembles. The balance of written solos, section features, and optional instrumentation makes it a program staple that plays well without sacrificing musicianship, and the swing feel is immediate and satisfying.

What to expect

Bright and propulsive, this is straightforward swing that swings hard without overcomplication. The ensemble sections bounce with vintage big band energy, while the solos and section features give the piece a conversational, playful character that audiences and students both recognize immediately.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for Grade 2 ensembles ready to explore jazz repertoire with more sophisticated voicings and solo opportunities. Directors seeking repertoire that challenges developing players while remaining secure on the fundamentals will find the optional parts especially valuable for mixed-level sections.

How to get the most out of it

  • Settle on your tempo early in rehearsals (aim for 140 BPM as a starting point) and lock the rhythm section tight before layering in the horns; the groove hinges on solid pocket playing.
  • Spotlight the trumpet 2 solo by keeping the ensemble background crisp and rhythmically aligned; this is a moment for that player to shine.
  • Use the sax section soli as an opportunity to balance blend and intonation; make sure the section locks vertically while maintaining individual voice clarity.
  • Emphasize the stylistic details (plunger mutes on trumpets, slide articulation on trombones) in sectional rehearsals so the full ensemble sound benefits from consistent articulation choices.

How to use it

Program this as a festival or contest selection where a solid swing groove and clean ensemble playing earn points. It also works beautifully as a mid-winter or spring concert opener, setting an upbeat tone and showcasing both your section leaders and ensemble cohesion.

Skills your students will build

  • Swing rhythm interpretation and syncopation
  • Jazz articulation (plunger and slide techniques)
  • Ensemble balance and blend in saxophone and brass voicings
  • Solo navigation (melodic phrasing and accompaniment awareness)
  • Reading and executing section soli with precision

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