Thinking of Count: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Allee captures the essence of swing ballad writing without overwhelming your ensemble. The orchestrations sit perfectly in the middle ground between showcase and suitability, allowing even Grade 4 groups to deliver genuine musicianship rather than just executing notes.

Smooth and poised, with the unhurried sophistication of a classic ballad. The full band sections settle into that warm, grounded feeling of swing at a moderate tempo, while individual voices emerge naturally rather than fighting for attention.

Any jazz ensemble looking for repertoire that swings authentically without excessive technical demands. This works equally well for students encountering big band style for the first time and groups ready to explore swing phrasing with genuine expression.

• Balance the trumpet solo against the ensemble so it sits forward without drowning out the harmonic foundation. Your rhythm section anchors everything here.
• Shape the pacing deliberately through dynamic control in the full band sections. Let the ensemble breathe where Allee's charts open up rather than pushing through.
• Give the pianist time to land those fills cleanly. They're not accompanimental afterthoughts but integral to the character of the piece.

Pair this with uptempo or bebop charts to show your students the full range of jazz language. It also serves as an excellent concert opener that signals to your audience they're about to hear genuine musicianship.

• Swing phrasing and articulation in a ballad context
• Listening for and supporting featured soloists within ensemble texture
• Dynamic control and space in full band voicings
• Comping and supportive roles for rhythm section players