In the Still of the Night: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Cole Porter / arr. Mike Kamuf
Grade: 3.5
Item: 00-PK-0008755
$55.00
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Description
A classic jazz standard composed by the great Cole Porter, this chart bounces between samba and swing grooves. A well-crafted chart with lead trumpet range to written B-flat above the staff and suggested solos for alto1, tenor1, trumpet 2, trombone 1, and drums. The soli sections and a hot shout chorus make this a fine choice for any concert or festival. (5:10)
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Additional Details
Series:
Jazz Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PK-0008755
More about this title
About the Composer: Cole Porter
Cole Porter (1891–1964) was one of America's most sophisticated songwriters, creating witty, harmonically complex standards that remain central to the jazz repertoire. His melodies are instantly singable yet built on surprising chord progressions, making them endlessly rewarding for jazz reharmonization and improvisation. Porter's influence on jazz education is profound: his songs teach musicians how to navigate chromaticism, unexpected harmonic movement, and the marriage of accessible melody with intellectual depth.
Why we love this
Mike Kamuf's arrangement captures the elegance of Porter's original while giving a Grade 3.5 ensemble real agency in the groove. The shift between samba and swing textures keeps players engaged and forces the section to lock into different feels, while the featured solo opportunities span the entire band, from trumpet through drums. This is a staple that works equally well on a spring jazz festival or a concert program that needs a touch of sophistication without overwhelming student players.
What to expect
Sophisticated and playful. The tune glides between the warm, syncopated propulsion of samba and the relaxed swing of a classic Porter ballroom number, giving the arrangement both rhythmic novelty and nostalgic elegance. The spotlight moments for individual soloists feel generous and inviting, while the soli writing and shout chorus deliver collective energy.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who are ready to explore groove changes and want repertoire that honors the Great American Songbook. This works for high school jazz bands, college jazz ensemble II groups, and advanced middle school programs that have developed rhythmic security and can handle genre shifts.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the samba groove during the opening section with crisp, together articulation in the rhythm section. Have the drummer play the timeline cleanly before the band enters so the ensemble can anchor their feel off that pulse.
- Feature your strongest soloists during the suggested alto, tenor, trumpet 2, and trombone solos. Coach each improviser to stay true to Porter's harmonic structure rather than chasing chromatic embellishment.
- Bring weight and unity to the shout chorus by shaping dynamics as a full section; this moment earns its heat through ensemble blend, not individual volume.
- Balance the lead trumpet's high passages (written B-flat above the staff) with sensitive accompaniment from the lower voices so the melody projects without shrillness.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener that establishes your ensemble's groove credentials, or pair it with other Porter standards to build a set that celebrates the history of jazz composition. At 5 minutes 10 seconds, it fits comfortably into festivals and concert programs and serves as an excellent vehicle for showcasing multiple soloists in a single piece.
Skills your students will build
- Playing in and switching between samba and swing feels
- Reading jazz lead trumpet parts with upper register demands
- Improvising blues-based solos over Porter's harmonic changes
- Blending and balancing in soli sections
- Locking rhythm section coordination across two distinct grooves