Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (arr. Rick Stitzel): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by Rick Stitzel
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK01589015
$50.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
A hip and accessible medium swing chart that is based around a ii-V-I progression in C minor. Lots of great unison rhythmic and melodic writing makes ensemble playing comfortable for young players and gives the melody to all parts. Written solos for saxes and flute. Optional flute, clarinet, F horn, tuba, and vibraphone part included.
Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (arr. Rick Stitzel): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01589015
More about this title
About the Arranger: Rick Stitzel
Rick Stitzel has built a reputation as an arranger who understands what young jazz ensembles need: clear writing that sounds sophisticated without overwhelming developing musicians. His arrangements balance musical substance with accessibility, a skill that comes from years of working directly with student performers.
Why we love this
Stitzel resists the urge to pack this classic into unnecessarily complex harmonies or fast section work. Instead, he builds the arrangement on a foundation of unison figures that let the ensemble play together confidently, then gives solos to saxes and flute that feel achievable for developing improvisers. The result sounds like a real swing chart without asking your players to read over their heads.
What to expect
Warm and unhurried. The minor tonality gives the tune a reflective quality that pairs beautifully with the relaxed swing groove. When played with care, this arrangement captures the peaceful, contemplative mood the title promises.
Who it's for
Grade 2 jazz ensembles ready to move beyond straight rhythms into swing feel and harmonic awareness. The optional parts make this flexible enough for groups with gaps in instrumentation, and the written solos give young improvisers a structured path into ensemble soloing.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section into the ii-V-I progression early in rehearsal. Once the piano, bass, and drums are rock solid, the soloists will have the support they need to take risks.
- Shape the unison melodic passages with consistent articulation across all parts. The clarity of line here is what makes the arrangement sing.
- Keep the tempo honest. A medium swing that breathes naturally will showcase the tune's elegance far better than rushing.
How to use it
This works naturally in a winter concert celebrating jazz standards, or as an opener for a spring performance that mixes ensemble charts with student solos. The accessibility and elegance also make it an ideal selection for building your ensemble's confidence with jazz repertoire earlier in the year.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing swing articulation
- Understanding ii-V-I progressions and their role in jazz harmony
- Playing unison lines with blend and consistent phrasing across multiple voices
- Preparing and delivering written solo passages within an ensemble context
- Listening to and locking with a rhythm section during head and solo sections