Little Sunflower: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Kamuf's arrangement takes a genuine Hubbard composition and shapes it perfectly for the middle school ensemble without sacrificing musical substance. The alternating bossa and funk grooves keep rhythmic energy high while the written solos (piano, trumpet, tenor sax) give students real jazz parts to navigate rather than simplified padding. Directors will appreciate that this works as both a serious festival entry and an engaging concert piece that holds student attention from first rehearsal through performance.

A melody that stays with you, set against grooves that make you want to move. The haunting quality of Hubbard's tune contrasts beautifully with the light, propulsive rhythmic undercurrent, creating music that feels both introspective and celebratory at once.

Middle school jazz ensembles with mixed instrumentation and varying reading levels will find success here. The piece is equally suited for directors building a festival set or creating a concert program that balances accessibility with genuine jazz content.

• Establish the groove foundation before layering melody. Spend rehearsal time locking the rhythm section (bass, drums, piano comping) into a cohesive pocket so the horns can navigate their parts with confidence.
• Balance the alternating grooves deliberately. The shift between bossa and funk should feel intentional, not accidental; use dynamic and articulation changes to mark the transition clearly.
• Let soloists breathe. The written piano, trumpet, and tenor sax solos should sound conversational, not rushed. Encourage players to listen to Hubbard's own recordings to internalize the phrasing sensibility.
• Shape the shout chorus with full ensemble energy. This moment should feel celebratory and collective; avoid letting it collapse into a mere tutti hits section.

This piece functions well as a midpoint anchor in a jazz concert, offering enough sophistication to satisfy adult listeners while remaining engaging for a younger audience. It also fits naturally into a festival submission where medium-easy difficulty and solid musicality matter as much as technical showiness.

• Comping changes on piano and responding to solos in real time
• Reading and executing bossa nova and funk rhythmic feels
• Phrasing and articulation in written jazz solos
• Ensemble cohesion across rhythm section and horns
• Interpreting slash chords and jazz harmonies at Grade 2 level