It's Too Late (Alto Saxophone Feature): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Toni Stern / By Carole King / Arranged by Mark Taylor
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00129591
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Description
This classic hit from Carole King is arranged here in a light cha-cha style and features an alto sax soloist. Nice change of pace for concert or festival.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00129591
More about this title
About the Composer: Toni Stern
Toni Stern co-wrote "It's Too Late" with Carole King, one of the most enduring pop standards of the 1970s. The song became a defining moment in King's career, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Grammy recognition. Stern's contribution to this timeless track demonstrates his skill in crafting memorable melodies and sophisticated pop arrangements that have maintained their appeal across decades and musical contexts.
Why we love this
Mark Taylor's cha-cha treatment gives students a chance to play a widely recognized song without the weight of a ballad arrangement. The alto sax feature keeps the soloist engaged while the ensemble parts remain accessible at Grade 3, making it realistic for groups with mixed reading levels. You'll find this works beautifully as a palate cleanser in concert programming or as a fun, swinging alternative to standard jazz repertoire.
What to expect
Warm and easygoing, with that unmistakable late-70s smoothness. The cha-cha rhythm gives it a gentle sway that feels refreshing against heavier jazz standards, while the alto sax feature invites storytelling and emotional nuance from your soloist.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles working at Grade 3 who want accessible repertoire with immediate appeal. This arrangement suits groups looking for a contemporary pop standard that engages younger players while remaining musically substantive enough for concert performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the solo around the singer's phrasing rather than fighting against it. The alto player will benefit from studying King's original recording to understand where to sit into the pocket versus where to play with rhythmic freedom.
- Keep the rhythm section locked into that light cha-cha feel. The groove sits between straight swing and a more contemporary pop sensibility, so establish the pulse clearly in rehearsal.
- Balance the ensemble parts so the soloist sits forward without the band drowning them out. At Grade 3, your rhythm section and horn parts will want careful volume shaping.
How to use it
Schedule this mid-set to shift energy without losing the ensemble's focus. The pop appeal makes it an excellent bridge between classical repertoire and full-swing jazz numbers, or program it alongside other King or Motown-era hits if you're building a thematic concert around that era.
Skills your students will build
- Cha-cha rhythm and Latin jazz phrasing conventions
- Solo feature performance and microphone technique
- Balancing ensemble texture around a featured soloist
- Stylistic flexibility between jazz, pop, and Latin genres
- Communication with rhythm section to maintain groove consistency