Things Ain't What They Used to Be (arr. Mark Taylor): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mark Taylor's arrangement strips this classic down to its essence while keeping all the character that makes it a perennial favorite. The solo rotation (Tenor, Trumpet, and drums) gives multiple players meaningful moments in the spotlight, and the Grade 3 level means your section players can genuinely make music rather than just survive the chart.

A gentle, soulful blues that swings without demanding impossible virtuosity. The melody sits in a comfortable register where young players can phrase expressively, and the harmonic language is straightforward enough to support emerging soloists without getting in their way.

Any jazz ensemble with developing improvisers who need an authentic standard in their library. The Grade 3 instrumentation and level make it accessible to high school groups while the Ellington pedigree keeps it serious.

• Balance the lead voices against the ensemble so the trumpet's high C and trombone's high Ab register without strain; these upper notes work best when they're supported by solid harmonic grounding underneath.
• Lock the drums and bass together on the blues feel before rehearsing anything else. This rhythm section foundation determines whether the ensemble swings or sits.
• Let each soloist develop their own phrasing through the changes rather than drilling metronomic accuracy. The blues context actually requires flexibility and conversation between the soloists and comping players.

Fit this into a jazz concert as a palate cleanser after more complex charts or an opener that gets the audience smiling early. It also works well in a school assembly or community event where you want jazz to feel welcoming rather than intimidating.

• Blues comping and harmonic awareness
• Swing feel and articulation clarity
• Solo construction over chord changes
• Ensemble balance with multiple lead voices
• Listening and responding to other improvisers