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Things Ain't What They Used to Be: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

Things Ain't What They Used to Be: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Things Ain't What They Used to Be: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-40353
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Music by Mercer Ellington / arr. Rich Sigler

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-40353

$50.00

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This is a jazz classic that every band should have in their library. This is a swing-shuffle played at 116 BPM and has a familiar and catchy melody that flows smoothly from section to section. It has written-out solos for alto 1 and trumpet 2 and the lead trumpet range is to written F-sharp top line. A superb arrangement that is clever and effective in every way. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Things Ain't What They Used to Be: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Young Jazz Ensemble

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 100

UPC: 038081458731

SKU: 00-40353

More about this title

About the Composer: Mercer Ellington

Mercer Ellington (1919-1999) was a composer, arranger, and bandleader who carried forward the legacy of his father, Duke Ellington, while establishing his own distinct voice in jazz. He worked extensively as a composer and arranger for big band and jazz ensemble settings, contributing original works and fresh arrangements to the jazz repertoire that balanced accessibility with sophisticated harmonic thinking.

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Why we love this

Rich Sigler's arrangement captures everything that makes this swing classic enduring: infectious groove, clean ensemble voicings, and solos that sit comfortably in the range of young players. The Grade 2 instrumentation doesn't sacrifice sophistication; instead, it proves you can teach genuine jazz language and phrasing without overwhelming a developing ensemble.

What to expect

Relaxed swing energy with a familiar, hummable melody that keeps audiences engaged from the first measure. The arrangement balances tutti moments with featuring sections, creating natural peaks and valleys that hold interest throughout the performance.

Who it's for

Jazz ensemble directors working with developing bands who want repertoire that sounds mature without requiring advanced technical skills. Young jazz players benefit from playing a recognized standard alongside carefully crafted written solos that model good solo construction and phrasing.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the shuffle feel early in sectional rehearsals. Emphasize the triplet-based pulse rather than straight eighth notes; once your rhythm section locks this in, the rest of the band will follow naturally.
Balance the alto 1 and trumpet 2 solos carefully. These written-out lines showcase how a good soloist navigates changes, so give them room to breathe while keeping the ensemble supportive underneath.
Keep the tempo steady at 116 BPM. This isn't a race; the groove should feel relaxed and confident. A metronome or click track during rehearsal helps build ensemble security.
Pay attention to section transitions. With a melody that flows smoothly from section to section, clarity in your ensemble articulation and dynamic control will let those shifts land cleanly.

How to use it

Program this for winter or spring jazz concerts as a crowd-pleasing complement to more modern arrangements in your set list. It works especially well in a contest or festival context, where the Grade 2 designation and strong musicality can showcase an ensemble's fundamentals and phrasing.