This Masquerade (arr. Rick Stitzel): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Stitzel captures the song's nocturnal sophistication while keeping the technical demands accessible for intermediate ensembles. The arrangement balances featured soloist work with meaningful ensemble parts that keep everyone engaged, and the smoky harmonies give your band permission to really lean into the groove.

Walking into a dimly lit jazz room where everything moves with understated cool. The arrangement wraps you in warm harmonies and rhythmic ease, creating an atmosphere that feels both polished and intimate.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level looking for a standard that sits between straight jazz and contemporary pop. Directors who want to feature a strong vocalist while giving the full ensemble meaningful musical work.

• Shape the vocal melody with restraint; the strength of this ballad lives in intimacy rather than projection. Let the rhythm section create the foundation while the soloist breathes naturally through the phrases.
• Lock the horns into their harmonic blocks early in rehearsal. The sultry quality depends on unified articulation and blend across the voicings, which requires precision from your section leaders.
• Build the dynamic arc gradually across the form. Resist the urge to play full volume early; save your volume and intensity for the final chorus so the performance feels earned rather than constant.

Slot this into a concert that explores the crossroads between jazz standards and 1970s pop. It pairs naturally with other vocal features and gives your audience a recognizable touchstone while showcasing your ensemble's ability to handle contemporary material with style.

• Comping rhythms and harmonic awareness in a jazz context
• Balancing soloist and ensemble roles
• Sustaining and shaping sustained harmonic backgrounds
• Articulation consistency within saxophone and brass sections
• Understanding groove and pocket in a pop ballad setting