Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Albert Von Tilzer / arr. Larry Norred
Grade: 4
Item: 98-DJE4019
$35.00
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Description
This swinging four-beat version of the old Von Tilzer baseball classic really cooks on all cylinders. Features lots of great ensemble writing, including a little 3/4 tongue-in-cheek bridge right before the final chorus. An excellent chart to entertain and bring back the nostalgic swing era.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Advanced Jazz Ensemble
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DJE4019
More about this title
About the Composer: Albert Von Tilzer
Albert Von Tilzer (1878-1956) composed one of America's most enduring popular songs when he wrote "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in 1908. Though he composed the melody, Von Tilzer's contribution to American musical culture extends beyond this single standard; he was a prolific songwriter of the Tin Pan Alley era who understood how to craft memorable, singable melodies that stuck with audiences.
Von Tilzer's work remains a staple of American music education because it bridges popular culture and genuine musicianship. Arrangers and educators continue to reimagine his compositions for contemporary ensembles, keeping his melodies alive in rehearsal rooms and concert halls nearly a century later.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures everything that makes a baseball anthem work in a jazz setting: the melody is instantly recognizable, but Larry Norred's voicings and that clever 3/4 bridge give your ensemble room to show personality and musicianship. It's a piece that entertains the audience while genuinely engaging your players.
What to expect
This is swinging, energetic fun with real substance beneath the surface. The melody immediately transports listeners to the golden age of baseball and swing, yet the arrangement keeps things fresh with smart ensemble writing and that playful rhythmic detour in the bridge.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the Grade 4 level will find this accessible yet musically substantial. It works equally well for experienced high school groups and college jazz ensembles looking for a crowd-pleaser that doesn't sacrifice musicality.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the swing feel through articulation and rhythmic precision in the rhythm section; the "cook on all cylinders" groove depends on locked time between drums, bass, and piano.
- Treat the 3/4 bridge as a moment of ensemble clarity and tight unison rather than a jarring gear shift; mark any needed breath points so the tongue-in-cheek character lands without feeling rushed.
- Balance the ensemble voicings so no single section dominates; this chart thrives when saxes, brass, and rhythm each occupy their own space while blending into the whole.
- Work dynamics and articulation early so that the final chorus builds momentum without losing the crisp, punchy character established in the head.
How to use it
Program this as a closer or second-to-last selection on a jazz concert to send audiences out with a smile. It also works brilliantly on pops concerts, baseball stadium performances, or any program that benefits from a tune the audience already loves.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and maintaining swing feel over extended ensemble passages
- Playing a 3/4 section within a primarily 4/4 piece
- Balancing ensemble sound across saxophone, brass, and rhythm sections
- Articulation clarity and precision at a medium-fast swing tempo
- Responding to dynamic and textural changes while maintaining ensemble cohesion