When You're Smiling: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Confident, approachable swing that moves with unforced ease. The Basie influence is clear in the voicings and rhythmic feel, but the arrangement stays friendly enough for younger players to own it without getting tangled in complexity.

Jazz ensembles working at the early intermediate level who want real swing repertoire without complicated harmony or extreme ranges. This works for high school groups finding their sound as well as advanced middle school sections ready to play authentic jazz.

• Lock the rhythm section into that medium swing pocket at 118 BPM before layering the horns. The groove is the foundation.
• Balance the solo trumpet in the lead against the section harmony. The written G top note should cut through without forcing; let the natural register do the work.
• Shape the alto solo with conversational phrasing rather than running straight through the changes. This chart rewards players who listen and respond.
• Use the optional vibes strategically to add harmonic color in quieter sections; they're a texture choice, not a necessity.

Program this early in a jazz concert to establish energy and goodwill. It pairs naturally with up-tempo standards and smaller combo pieces in a mixed-difficulty setlist, or feature it as a warm-up that doubles as a crowd-pleaser.

• Reading and executing swing rhythm and articulation at medium tempo
• Jazz improvisation over chord changes (alto and trumpet soloists)
• Ensemble balance with written solos featured against section harmony
• Flexible orchestration with optional parts
• Understanding Basie-style arranging conventions and voicings