I'm Getting Sentimental over You: 2nd Baritone T.C.

Scott Ragsdale's arrangement captures the heart of this standard while giving your ensemble clear spaces to breathe and play. The blend of funky groove and swing sections keeps the energy high without overwhelming younger players, and the written solos for trombone 2 and tenor saxophone offer confident section members a genuine spotlight without requiring advanced improvisation skills.

Sophisticated without being precious. The tune opens with a laid-back funk vibe that locks into a steady groove, then shifts into a swinging, conversational feel where the soloists take over. There's a modern edge to this reading of a classic melody, with the band hits and drum fills adding contemporary color while the melody and harmony stay true to the standard.

Jazz ensemble directors working with Grade 3 bands who want a recognizable standard with real solo opportunities and clear section writing. Players should have solid ensemble fundamentals and be comfortable with both funk and swing feels, making this ideal for middle school jazz ensembles ready to move beyond basic arrangements.

• Lock the funky groove feel in the rhythm section before adding horns. The contrast between the groove and swing sections depends entirely on the band nailing their pocket during the funk passages.
• Balance the written solos with the band hits so neither overpowers the other. The trombone 2 and tenor solos should float above the ensemble, not get buried by it.
• Check that your vibes player (if included) sits in the texture clearly but doesn't dominate the harmonic landscape. The optional vibes add sophistication; use them to enhance, not mask, what the horns are doing.
• Mark tempo at 170 BPM in rehearsal, but give yourself room to flex slightly between sections. The transition from funk to swing needs to feel intentional, not metronomic.

Program this alongside other Ragsdale arrangements or other Grade 3 jazz standards to show your ensemble's range across styles and eras. The 4:50 length fits a full set without dominating it, and the solo opportunities make it ideal for a concert where you want to feature individual players in a band context.

• Contrasting funk and swing feels in a single piece
• Rhythmic precision and groove lock in the rhythm section
• Comping and ensemble support behind written solos
• Band ensemble blend with optional vibes voicing
• Tempo flexibility between sections