Tea for Two: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Dana's arrangement captures the infectious charm of this classic standard while tailoring it perfectly for developing jazz ensembles. The Latin feel propels the piece forward with genuine groove, and the solo opportunities for alto sax and trumpet 2 give your section players genuine moments to shine without overwhelming younger improvisers. It's a chart that sounds sophisticated and polished while remaining entirely achievable at this level.

The cha-cha groove invites movement and swinging energy from the moment it begins. There's a warmth and sophistication to the arrangement that feels timeless, even as the rhythm section drives with unmistakable Latin flavor and modern jazz sensibility.

Grade 2.5 jazz ensembles ready to explore Latin jazz styles with guided solo opportunities. This works beautifully for groups with developing improvisers who benefit from hearing the melody and changes before taking flight, and for directors seeking accessible repertoire that doesn't sacrifice musicality or style.

• Lock the kick drum and bass line into the cha-cha rhythm from the first rehearsal; the groove is the foundation for everything else in this arrangement.
• Address the alto and trumpet 2 solo sections early in your preparation. Encourage soloists to listen to classic recordings of the tune, then find their own voice within the given changes.
• Keep the front line bright and precise when playing beneath the solos; let the rhythm section carry the groove so the soloists can breathe.
• Balance the written G at the top of the staff on lead trumpet with the rest of the section. This note is bright, but it should sit in the arrangement rather than dominate it.

Pair this with other Latin-tinged charts to build a concert segment that showcases your ensemble's rhythmic versatility. It also works as a refreshing change of pace in a program heavy with swing and ballads, and the approachable solo vehicles make it an ideal choice for a student jazz showcase or informal performance.

• Latin jazz rhythm section roles and Latin percussion conventions
• Soloing over jazz changes with guidance from written melody and chord symbols
• Listening and responding to ensemble dynamics while improvising
• Section blend and precision in a groove-based context
• Reading jazz articulation and phrasing in a contemporary arrangement