Make Me Smile: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Wasson's arrangement captures the infectious groove and brass swagger of the original while building in solo space that lets your saxophonist and guitarist shine. The horn licks are instantly recognizable and sit beautifully in the ensemble, making this a crowd pleaser that students genuinely want to play.

Bright, energetic, and built for forward momentum. The piece swings with a pop sensibility and radiates the optimistic rock spirit of early 1970s Chicago, making it feel celebratory in any concert setting.

Grade 4 jazz ensembles with solid fundamentals and a guitarist who can handle comping. This works equally well for groups eager to play recognizable hits and for programs looking to teach jazz-rock history through direct engagement with the source material.

• Balance the horn sections carefully during tutti passages so the arrangement stays punchy rather than muddy. The original's clarity depends on crisp attacks and separation between brass voices.
• Give your soloists room to breathe and stretch their phrasing. The alto sax and guitar solos benefit from laid-back feel rather than strict metronomic time.
• Lock the rhythm section (bass, drums, guitar) early in rehearsal. A tight foundation lets the horns play with confidence and allows soloists to interact more freely.

Program this for spring concerts or pops shows where you want immediate audience connection. It pairs naturally with other classic rock-influenced jazz pieces and serves as an accessible entry point for ensemble members encountering the Chicago sound for the first time.

• Reading and executing rhythmic figures that merge swing articulation with rock precision
• Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a rock-influenced harmonic framework
• Maintaining groove and time feel across ensemble transitions and sectional changes
• Interpreting brass licks with style and cohesion across multiple voices