Poker Face: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while tailoring it specifically for jazz ensemble instrumentation. The Grade 3 level makes it accessible for high school groups without sacrificing the character that made this song a cultural moment, and students engage with material they actually want to play.

Sleek and propulsive, with the kind of melodic confidence that made the original unforgettable. The arrangement sits in that sweet spot where pop sensibility and jazz ensemble craft meet, creating something that feels both familiar and freshly orchestrated.

Jazz ensemble directors looking for contemporary material that speaks to students' musical world while offering real ensemble challenges. This works equally well for groups focused on performance repertoire or those seeking concert pieces that build genuine enthusiasm in rehearsal.

• Lock the synth line and bass groove first; this track lives in its rhythmic pocket, so nail the pulse before layering solos.
• Balance the melody between sections so it cuts through without overwhelming the ensemble's collective sound.
• Lean into the groovy feel rather than pushing for precision; this arrangement thrives on swagger and forward momentum.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements for a concert that bridges what students hear on streaming services with live ensemble performance. It also works as an accessible entry point for groups new to jazz ensemble, since the source material's popularity gives students immediate buy-in.

• Maintaining pocket in syncopated grooves
• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
• Reading jazz notation and articulation markings
• Responding to solo sections without losing ensemble cohesion