The Days of Wine and Roses: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Lewis's arrangement respects the melody while building in genuine teaching moments: the sax soli give students a chance to own the spotlight without the pressure of improvisation, and the modulation from E-flat to F catches players off guard in the best way. The orchestration works beautifully with a full section or a reduced band, which makes this a real asset for directors juggling varying ensemble sizes across the year.

Sophisticated and swinging without pretension. The arrangement has warmth and craft in every section, with a melody so strong it carries the piece even when students are still finding their footing in swing figures. There's genuine humor in the modulation and enough musical substance to reward both players and listeners.

Jazz ensemble directors working at the Grade 2 level who need a universally recognizable tune that actually teaches swing technique. This works for mid-level high school bands, strong middle school ensembles, and community jazz groups building their library without over-relying on blues changes and head-solos.

• Target the swing articulation and phrasing notated in the score rather than playing it straight. This piece teaches what swing feel actually means through the written figures, so don't let students default to a shuffle rhythm.
• Bring out the sax soli as featured moments. These lines deserve the same care a soloist would give them, even though they're fully written out. Have the section rehearse them with independence and pride.
• Use the modulation from E-flat to F as a listening and awareness exercise. Point it out before performance, then let students feel how it lifts the energy in the final section.
• Balance the lead trumpet's written G with the ensemble texture. A bright, confident high note is part of the arrangement's design, but make sure it's supported, not isolated.

Program this as a concert opener or closer where you want audience recognition and strong ensemble playing in the same moment. It pairs naturally with other Mancini standards or with Grade 2 swing charts that don't rely on improvisation, building a set that demonstrates how far students have come in their jazz fundamentals.

• Swing articulation and phrasing in a written context
• Reading and executing sax soli with independence and character
• Modulation awareness and listening across key changes
• Ensemble balance with a featured high trumpet line
• Rhythmic cohesion within swing feel without improvisation