I Want It That Way (arr. John Berry): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement respects what makes the original compelling while removing the obstacles that prevent ensemble success. The melody traveling through your sections keeps everyone engaged without forcing anyone into uncomfortable solo territory, and the Grade 2 difficulty means your ensemble focuses on the real work: singing as one unit across changing voicings.

Warm and accessible, with the emotional directness of a strong ballad paired against the rhythmic buoyancy of swing feel. The arrangement sits comfortably in the voice range and honors the original's melodic simplicity while giving your ensemble genuine musical responsibility.

Jazz ensembles working at the Grade 2 level, whether you're a director building foundational ensemble skills or teaching musicians to navigate contemporary arranging. It works equally well for groups that read fluently and groups still developing musicianship; everyone gains something from the experience.

• Balance the melody against background figures by rehearsing the non-melodic voices first, establishing their dynamic foundation before layering the tune on top.
• Pay attention to how the arrangement passes the melody between sections; mark those transitions clearly in parts so players anticipate the shift rather than reacting to it.
• Treat the ballad character seriously even though the harmonic language is straightforward. Shape each phrase with intention and let silence breathe between sections.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during rehearsals to lock the ensemble's pulse, then step away from it well before performance to build independence.

This fits naturally into a contemporary music concert or a program celebrating pop arranging. It also serves excellently as a confidence builder early in the year when you're still establishing section cohesion and individual intonation, since the straightforward harmonic language lets musicians focus entirely on listening and balancing.

• Trading melody between sections while maintaining phrase continuity
• Balancing melodic and accompanying voices in jazz voicings
• Sustaining ballad character with appropriate phrasing and dynamics
• Reading and responding to swing rhythms in a pop context
• Listening across sections for blend and tuning in block harmonies