You're Still a Young Man: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Story's arrangement preserves the soul and swagger of the original while building a chart that first-year jazz ensembles can genuinely master. The written-out tenor solo gives your lead player a real feature moment, and the 3/4 meter at this tempo creates forward momentum without overwhelming younger readers. Every section gets a chance to shine, and the chart swings hard without demanding advanced technique.

Warm, soulful, and propulsive. The waltz meter gives it an almost waltzing ease, yet the funk undercurrent keeps things grounded and modern. There's an infectious optimism in the melody and horn lines that resonates with audiences; this doesn't feel like a "teaching piece" but rather a legitimate jazz arrangement that happens to be accessible.

This chart fits first-year jazz ensembles and developing high school groups looking for repertoire with real musical substance. The Grade 1 reading level keeps scanning manageable, but the arrangement demands honest ensemble listening and section balance. It's perfect for groups ready to explore jazz beyond traditional swing standards.

• Lock the rhythm section into the pocket early in rehearsals. The waltz feel at 128 BPM depends on steady hi-hat and bass work; even small timing drift will flatten the groove.
• Shape the tenor 1 melody solo with warmth and phrasing rather than technical perfection. This chart values storytelling over display, so encourage your lead player to sing through the horn.
• Balance the trumpet 1 voice carefully in the ensemble sections. With the range reaching E top space, it's easy to let it overshadow the other brass; blend it as a section voice first.
• Use the recorded accompaniment (if available separately) to build confidence in your ensemble's time feel before running full sections together.

Program this in a jazz concert alongside one or two swing standards to show your ensemble's range and introduce audiences to contemporary soul-jazz repertoire. It also works beautifully as a festival performance piece or as part of a concert celebrating funk and R&B in jazz arranging. The 2:42 duration makes it ideal for a mixed program without dominating rehearsal time.

• Reading and maintaining a 3/4 meter at moderate tempo
• Blending ensemble voicings in close horn harmony
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing in a funk-influenced context
• Supporting a featured solo with steady comping and section rhythm
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in a contemporary soul-jazz arrangement