I Want to Be Happy (VJCP545-BB)
comp. by Vincent Youmans
arr. by Russell Schmidt
$45.00 (USD)
 
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VJCP545-BB – Jazz Ensemble Chart, written for the full, traditional big band line-up (18 performers). The instrumentation is as follows:
 
Alto Sax I (+Flute), Alto Sax II, Tenor Sax I (+Clarinet), Tenor Sax II, Bari. Sax
Trumpet I, Trumpet II, Trumpet III, Trumpet IV
Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III, Bass Trombone (IV)
Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Vibraphone
 
NOTE: As noted in the score, this arrangement can be performed without the two woodwind doubles, if necessary. The brief Clarinet part—found in the Tenor Sax I book—can be performed on Tenor Sax (played one octave higher than notated, perhaps subtone). The Flute part—found in the Alto Sax I book—is nearly always doubled elsewhere.
 
Description: A riotous, ebullient joyride, Russell Schmidt’s arrangement of I Want to Be Happy is a complete tour de force for jazz ensemble. This rollicking, up-tempo swing chart deconstructs the Vincent Youmans classic and puts it back together in fresh, imaginative ways. After a “double exposition” up top, the arrangement provides solo space for trombone and piano. A remarkable sax soli—with Flute/Flugelhorn lead—follows, with a final ensemble chorus bringing the proceedings to an explosive conclusion.
 
This chart works extremely well as a set opener or closer, though the numerous modulations, modest woodwind doubles, and challenging soli make this publication better suited for more experienced jazz ensembles. Originally written around the time of the passing of Schmidt’s mentor teacher, famed Eastman jazz pedagogue Rayburn Wright, this newly-revised and edited version of I Want to Be Happy stands more than three decades later as a testament to the joy that can be found in collective, collaborative musicmaking.
 
This big band arrangement is of advanced difficulty.
 
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Please note: The VJC will never pursue payment of synchroni­zation rights from middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, all-state ensembles, church groups, or independent edu­cational programs for young people related to the posting of recorded performan­ces of this work on YouTube or other, similar sites (including social media platforms). While sharing the .pdf files is not permitted, sharing your musical performance online is.
 
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