Little Sunflower Sheet Music Preview

Little Sunflower: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By Freddie Hubbard / Arranged by Paul Murtha

Grade: 4

Item: 35-PK00130254

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Description
In 2009, the jazz world mourned the loss of jazz great, Freddie Hubbard. This classic tune of his is treated here in a soft-spoken style with a moderate tempo and rich harmonic textures on the timeless melody. Fittingly, a trumpet soloist is also featured.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00130254

More about this title

About the Composer: Freddie Hubbard

Freddie Hubbard stands among the most versatile trumpet voices in jazz history. His career spanned bebop, hard bop, funk, and fusion, and his harmonic sophistication and technical command shaped multiple generations of players. As a bandleader and composer, he created music that balanced accessibility with genuine artistic depth, making him a vital figure in both the jazz canon and in music education.

Hubbard's compositions often feature memorable melodies paired with engaging chord progressions that reward careful listening. His work on the trumpet has become essential study material for jazz educators, and his influence extends far beyond virtuosic display into the realm of songwriting that serves both ensemble and soloist.

Why we love this

Paul Murtha's arrangement respects the lyrical quality of Hubbard's melody while creating plenty of harmonic interest for your ensemble. The moderate tempo and soft-spoken approach make this accessible for Grade 4 ensembles without sacrificing musicality, and the featured trumpet solo gives your lead player a chance to shine in a spotlight that feels earned rather than showy.

What to expect

The tune unfolds with quiet dignity and warmth. Hubbard's melody sits naturally in the trumpet register, supported by rich harmonies that shift with subtle grace, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and polished. This is the sound of a gifted musician speaking softly in a crowded room and having everyone lean in to listen.

Who it's for

Grade 4 jazz ensembles ready to tackle a composition with real harmonic substance but without extreme technical demands. This works well for programs seeking a piece that builds listening skills and musical maturity while remaining playable by developing ensembles.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the opening melody with careful attention to dynamics; the richness of the harmonic palette works best when the lead voice breathes naturally rather than driving forward aggressively.
  • Balance the ensemble support behind the trumpet solo. The accompaniment should recede just enough to let the soloist take center stage without losing the textural warmth that defines the arrangement.
  • Allow the moderate tempo to settle into a relaxed groove. Rushing here works against the soft-spoken character; your rhythm section should lock in with a patient, conversational feel.
  • Give weight to the harmonic voicings throughout. Even in the quieter passages, each chord change should register clearly so listeners hear the sophistication underlying the gentle surface.

How to use it

Pair this with other Hubbard compositions or with jazz standards to create a program centered on lyrical, harmonically sophisticated material. It also serves as an excellent teaching piece mid-rehearsal season when your ensemble has the fundamentals in place but benefits from exposure to jazz writing that rewards close harmonic listening. Consider programming it alongside a more energetic number to showcase your ensemble's dynamic range.

Skills your students will build

  • Interpreting chord changes with harmonic awareness
  • Balancing melody against ensemble accompaniment
  • Listening to and responding to subtle dynamic shaping
  • Executing soft, lyrical articulation in jazz style
  • Supporting a trumpet soloist with textural accompaniment

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