That's Life: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by John Berry
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00381884
$45.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| That's Life - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $6.00 | |
| 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 | |
| That's Life - Solo Sheet | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Composed in 1963 it wasn't until Frank Sinatra released his iconic version in 1966 that this familiar tune solidified its place in pop culture. In this medium slow version for younger players, John Berry spreads the melody around to all sections starting with the trombones on the first statement. With skillful scoring throughout, there is also a short solo for trumpet and a tutti ensemble shout to finish with.
That's Life: 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-PK00381884
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Berry
John Berry is a prolific arranger and composer whose work spans jazz education and professional performance contexts. His arrangements consistently demonstrate thoughtful voice leading and accessible scoring that maintains musical integrity while meeting the needs of developing ensembles.
Why we love this
Berry's approach here respects the song's identity while giving every section a moment to shine. The decision to feature trombones on the opening melody is both unexpected and ear-catching, and the balance between ensemble work and the trumpet solo creates natural pacing that keeps students engaged throughout.
What to expect
The arrangement captures the wry, swinging character of the original without demanding the sophisticated rhythmic flexibility of more advanced versions. There's room for warmth and personality in the playing, and the medium tempo creates space for phrase awareness and dynamic nuance.
Who it's for
Grade 3 jazz ensembles ready for a recognizable standard that works both as a crowd-pleaser and a serious rehearsal project. This fits groups with developing soloists and consistent section players who can handle distributed melody responsibilities across multiple rehearsals.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the medium slow tempo early in rehearsal so students internalize the pocket before adding articulation or phrasing ideas.
- Let the trombone section own their opening statement; this passage sets the tone for the whole arrangement and deserves careful attention to intonation and note clarity.
- Bring out the trumpet solo with a slight forward push in the ensemble accompaniment without overwhelming the soloist's space.
- Shape the final tutti shout as a collective moment; lock in the rhythm section and let brass and reeds balance naturally rather than forcing dynamic competition.
How to use it
This works beautifully in a jazz showcase or pops concert where you want a familiar tune that audiences will recognize immediately. It pairs well on a program with other standards or original compositions at similar difficulty levels, and provides an excellent teaching vehicle for understanding how melody can move around a big band texture.
Skills your students will build
- Reading multiple voice leadings and passing melody between sections
- Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a single arrangement
- Executing rhythmic clarity in medium swing tempos
- Shaping ensemble hits and cutoffs with precision
- Understanding how standard repertoire can be reharmonized and rearranged