I've Grown Accustomed to Her (His) Face: 1st Trombone

This arrangement captures the elegance of Loewe's melody while grounding it in authentic jazz vocabulary, making it an excellent vehicle for introducing jazz ensemble singers to straight-eighth swing feels. The written-out alto sax solo and optional instrumental covers for multiple instruments (C, B-flat, E-flat, and trombone) give you flexibility in casting and allow the piece to function as a feature for your vocalist or as a sectional spotlight depending on performance needs.

Sophisticated and romantic without slipping into nostalgia, this chart balances the theatrical elegance of the original with a relaxed jazz swagger. The straight-eighth feel gives it a contemporary smoothness that lets Loewe's melody shine while the ensemble sits comfortably in a groove-based aesthetic.

This arrangement is ideal for jazz ensembles with a competent vocalist and solid rhythm section. The medium difficulty level makes it accessible to high school or college jazz groups while still offering musical substance, and the gender-neutral lyric accommodation means you can feature your best vocalist regardless of voice type.

• Balance the vocalist's legit range (G below middle C to B-flat on the third line) with a relaxed jazz interpretation; the straight-eighth groove sits naturally in the middle of that range, so don't push into belting territory.
• Ensure the rhythm section locks the tempo and groove before bringing in the horns; a floating feel here will undermine the swing.
• Work the written-out alto sax solo as a featured moment, giving it space and allowing the ensemble to lay back slightly so the soloist can breathe and phrase.

Program this as a feature for a soloist in a concert devoted to jazz standards or American songbook material, or use it to open a set that moves through different eras of jazz vocal tradition. Its accessibility and polish also make it effective as a closing number that showcases both your vocalist and your ensemble's ability to support a singer.

• Straight-eighth jazz phrasing and interpretation
• Balancing solo vocalist with ensemble accompaniment
• Reading and executing jazz ensemble notation and sax solo interpretation
• Flexible instrumental doubling (substituting parts for multiple instruments)