That's Life: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Dean Kay / By Kelly Gordon / Arranged by Gordon Goodwin
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00165429
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| That's Life - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $7.50 | |
| That's Life - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trumpet 4 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Trombone 4 | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Piano | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Bass | $6.00 | |
| That's Life - Drums | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Gordon Goodwin's medium-slow treatment of this familiar standard swings hard right from the start! This expertly crafted chart features plenty of tutti ensemble writing, solo space for trumpet and piano, and a short but potent sax soli. Silky smooth!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00165429
More about this title
About the Composer: Dean Kay
Dean Kay wrote songs that became standards, bringing a songwriter's sensibility to American popular music in the mid-20th century. His melodies have endured through countless interpretations, proving their fundamental strength and flexibility across musical contexts.
Why we love this
Gordon Goodwin's arrangement balances accessibility with sophistication, delivering a chart that sounds polished from the opening downbeat without demanding virtuosic gymnastics. The built-in solo spaces give your soloists room to shine while keeping the energy focused, and the ensemble writing hits that sweet spot where every section feels essential.
What to expect
Sophisticated ease. The melody feels familiar enough to ground the listener, but Goodwin's treatment adds air and sophistication, swinging with confidence from the very first measure. It's a tune that plays with intelligence and style.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want a standard with real swagger and smart voicing. Directors seeking a chart that teaches swing fundamentals without condescension will find this rewarding for both players and audiences.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the sax soli into precise unison from the first note; these passages anchor the chart's character and demand clean articulation across all three voices.
- Let the piano solo breathe with space and freedom; the rhythm section should support but not crowd, giving your soloist room to interpret the changes.
- Shape the tutti sections with dynamic grading rather than sudden volume shifts; the swing feel works best when crescendos build naturally from within the phrase.
- Check your trumpet soloist's endurance early in rehearsal; the solo placement demands clarity and control after ensemble passages that keep the section engaged.
How to use it
Pair this with other Goodwin arrangements to showcase his distinctive voice, or program it alongside standards from different eras to illustrate how strong melodies adapt across arrangements. The medium-slow tempo makes it an excellent closer for a set, landing with impact without overwhelming your ensemble.
Skills your students will build
- Swing feel and articulation in ensemble contexts
- Balance and blend in sax section unison writing
- Comping and rhythmic support for solo sections
- Phrasing and interpretation during solo opportunities
- Dynamic control in medium-tempo jazz contexts