Nardis: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Murtha's arrangement gives Grade 3 ensembles access to a piece that feels genuinely sophisticated without overwhelming the section reading levels. The Latin-to-swing structure creates built-in contrast and keeps students engaged across the head, while the alto sax feature solo space means your strongest player gets a real moment to shine.

Warm and moving, with a breezy Latin pulse that opens into the swing language of the bridge. The melody lives in a reflective register, encouraging sensitive phrasing from both melody and supporting voices.

Jazz ensembles working at the intermediate level who want to program a recognizable standard without oversimplifying the arrangement. Students need secure section reading and at least one alto saxophonist comfortable taking a feature.

• Lock the Latin groove on the head with crisp rhythmic articulation; the style shift to swing on the bridge will land harder if the opening section has clean pocket.
• Balance the alto sax feature carefully so the soloist can be heard without drowning the rhythm section's support underneath.
• Shape the melody phrasing to breathe between phrases rather than pushing straight through; this mirrors how Bill Evans's version sits in the music.

Pair this with other Davis standards or other Murtha arrangements to build a focused set around a single composer or arranger. The moderate length and accessible difficulty make it ideal for a winter or spring concert where you want to include jazz within a mixed program.

• Reading and maintaining Latin rhythmic grooves while sustaining melodic ensemble blend
• Transitioning between distinct style settings (Latin and swing) without losing musical continuity
• Supporting a solo feature with attentive accompaniment from the rhythm section
• Phrasing swing melodic lines with natural space and rubato