Shallow (from A Star Is Born) (arr. Paul Murtha): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha's arrangement respects the song's power without inflating it. Young ensemble players get to inhabit a contemporary hit that carries real emotional stakes, and the rock ballad idiom sits naturally in the jazz ensemble voicings rather than feeling forced or overly adapted.

Intimate and slightly vulnerable, even when the full ensemble is sounding. The rock ballad foundation gives the piece a grounded, human quality that stands apart from purely uptempo jazz fare. There's a quiet intensity here that rewards careful listening.

Jazz ensembles working at the early intermediate level who want to program contemporary material with genuine artistic weight. Directors seeking a rock ballad that doesn't rely on screaming high notes or aggressive articulation will find solid writing that serves younger players well.

• Let dynamics breathe. The restraint in the original is what makes it hit; resist the urge to push volume or brightness in the opening statements.
• Balance the melody line against the ensemble. When the lead voice enters, the rhythm section and background figures should recede slightly to preserve the song's conversational quality.
• Control rubato carefully in the ballad sections. A small amount of give in the tempo can deepen the emotional arc, but too much will muddy the ensemble cohesion.

This works beautifully as a contrasting program piece alongside more traditional jazz standards or uptempo selections. Consider pairing it with other film music or pop arrangements to create a thematic set that shows how contemporary songwriting translates to the ensemble setting.

• Sustaining a lyrical melodic line with consistent tone quality
• Balancing background figures and harmony voicings against a featured melody
• Interpreting dynamics and phrasing in a rock ballad context
• Ensemble listening and blend in a non-traditional jazz style