Love Is Here to Stay: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Paul Baker's Basie-style arrangement respects Gershwin's melody while giving it the swing and ensemble personality that makes jazz ensembles come alive. The written solos for saxophone and trumpet remove the improvisation barrier for developing players, and the shout chorus creates a moment of collective power that bands at this level rarely get to experience.

Smooth, sophisticated, and swinging. The Basie-style voicings and steady groove create a classic big band atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and immediately engaging. There's elegance here without stuffiness.

Jazz ensembles at the high school or early college level who want to program a recognizable standard without overreaching technically. This chart gives developing players meaningful solo experiences while keeping the overall ensemble part accessible.

• Balance the written sax solis carefully; they're the heart of the chart. Have your section rehearse these passages independently first, listening for blend and consistent vibrato width.
• The lead trumpet's written G demands secure high register work. Build endurance in rehearsals before full run-throughs, and watch for tension that can affect intonation up there.
• Lock the rhythm section into the Basie feel before running the full ensemble. The groove should feel relaxed and behind the beat, not pushed.
• Shape the shout chorus dynamically. It should build from the ensemble into a unified climax, not stay at one volume throughout.

Pair this with other Gershwin standards or contrast it with more contemporary jazz charts to show the evolution of jazz harmony. It works equally well as a concert opener that sets a warm, professional tone or as a climactic moment in a set of connected tunes.

• Basie-style swing phrasing and groove feel
• Reading and executing written jazz solos with stylistic accuracy
• Balancing section ensemble sound while supporting featured voices
• High register playing (lead trumpet to written G)
• Listening for and matching vibrato in saxophone sections
• Shaping ensemble dynamics and collective articulation