It Had to Be You: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Words by Gus Kahn, music by Isham Jones / arr. Tom Davis
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0002493
$52.00
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Description
A swinger from the creative mind of arranger Tom Davis, It Had to Be You continues to be a recognized standard song popular in movies and on TV. The students will dig into this swinging chart starting with the clever intro right into the trombone section melody. Solo space (with written solos provided) is for trombone, trumpet, and tenor sax, and the brass ranges are reasonable. Your search for a superb arrangement of a great American standard by an experienced writer is over. A winner of a chart.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, It Had to Be You: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts 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:
Jazz Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
120
SKU:
00-PK-0002493
More about this title
About the Composer: Isham Jones
Isham Jones (1894-1956) was a bandleader, composer, and violinist who shaped the sound of American dance music during the 1920s and 1930s. His orchestra was one of the most popular in the country, known for sophisticated arrangements and a refined ensemble sound that influenced countless musicians. Jones composed dozens of standards that remain central to the jazz repertoire, including "It Had to Be You," which has endured through generations of recordings, films, and television appearances.
Why we love this
Tom Davis brings real swing sensibility to this standard, and the arrangement sits perfectly at Grade 3 without sacrificing musicality. The chart respects the melody while giving your ensemble genuine solo opportunities, and the written solos mean students can learn from a master's phrasing without the pressure of improvising from scratch.
What to expect
Sophisticated swing that never feels stuffy. The arrangement has warmth and humor, moving smoothly from the clever introduction through the trombone melody and into the solo section. It sounds like a working big band chart, not a student arrangement trying too hard.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors seeking a reliable, accessible standard with real teaching value. The Grade 3 level makes this suitable for intermediate high school ensembles or confident middle school groups with strong section leadership.
How to get the most out of it
- Pay attention to the intro: Davis's opening sets the tone for the entire chart, so lock in the rhythmic feel there before the trombone melody enters.
- Balance the written solos carefully. The trombone, trumpet, and tenor sax solos should sit on top of the section harmony, not sink into it.
- Keep the swing eighth-note feel consistent throughout. Even at a moderate tempo, clarity in the rhythm section anchors the entire ensemble.
- Use dynamics to shape the phrases. A standard this well-known needs fresh energy; let your players find the bumps and valleys in Davis's arrangement.
How to use it
Program this early in the school year to establish your ensemble's swing feel, or use it as a centerpiece for a standards-focused concert. It pairs well with other Tom Davis arrangements and offers students a chance to connect with a song they may recognize from film and television.
Skills your students will build
- Swing eighth-note interpretation and feel
- Section balancing in a multi-solo format
- Phrasing and interpretation of written solos
- Ensemble cohesion within a moderate-tempo groove