I Feel Pretty (J.Warrington)

Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s timeless masterpiece from *West Side Story*, introduced on Broadway in 1957, made an immediate crossover leap into the jazz canon as improvisers recognized the sophisticated harmonic framework and playful rhythmic elasticity of its themes. "I Feel Pretty" offers a uniquely asymmetrical melodic structure that challenges traditional jazz phrasing while retaining an infectious, buoyant charm. As a cornerstone of the mid-century American musical theater songbook, the tune provides an ideal canvas for big band adaptation, translating theatrical wit into a vibrant orchestral statement. Johnny Warrington’s classic big band arrangement reimagines Bernstein’s effervescent waltz-time creation by translating its core motifs into a swinging, mid-tempo groove that highlights the conversational interplay of the standard jazz orchestra. Radiating an upbeat, sophisticated energy, the chart balances clever harmonic twists with an accessible, toe-tapping pulse. Warrington shifts the metrical weight to create a fluid, swinging momentum that evokes the polished elegance of post-war studio jazz, blending bright brass accents with lush, harmonized saxophone textures that capture both the humor and the elegance of the original composition. The arrangement showcases Warrington's signature knack for commercial yet harmonically rich scoring, deploying the 17-piece ensemble with economical brilliance. The five-saxophone section—featuring alternating alto and tenor doubles—carries the primary thematic weight through tight, interdependent voicings, frequently breaking into crisp solis that demand clean articulation and unified breath support. Brass writing is punchy without being overbearing, utilizing warm cup and straight mute colors in the trumpets and trombones to create dynamic contrast before opening up into exuberant ensemble passages. While rhythm section parts provide a steady, driving foundation, subtle reharmonizations in the transitions keep the harmonic palette fresh for both players and listeners. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional community big bands will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding addition to a concert or festival program. The technical demands sit comfortably within an intermediate-to-advanced bracket, requiring strong sectional blend, precise swing eighth-note interpretation, and nimble fingerwork in the woodwinds rather than extreme endurance or ultra-fast tempos. Standout moments include a witty call-and-response between the brass and reeds, and a buoyant developmental section that allows the rhythm section to drive the band toward a memorable, sparkling conclusion. Success with Johnny Warrington’s setting of "I Feel Pretty" hinges on maintaining a relaxed, conversational swing feel rather than pushing the tempo. The conductor should establish a steady, medium-up pulse that allows the syncopated melodic figures to breathe without rushing. Key technical challenges involve the execution of the tune's signature intervals; the saxophones and brass must articulate the leaping figures with uniform crispness, paying close attention to dynamic shading. Pay special attention to the balance during counter-melodies: the rhythm section should maintain a light, unburdened comping style, avoiding heavy quarter-note hammering on the piano and guitar to keep the texture transparent. Rehearsal should begin by isolating the saxophone soli, ensuring that the inner voices project clearly beneath the lead alto. Brass players should practice their muted passages for accurate intonation before opening up for the ensemble climaxes. Encourage the ensemble to treat the piece with a sense of theatrical playfulness, emphasizing dynamic contrasts and sharp accents to bring out Warrington's clever arrangement choices. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band, consisting of 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Tenor 2, Alto 3, Tenor 4, Baritone 5), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, along with a full 31-page score and part set. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: It is graded as medium-advanced, making it well-suited for capable high school jazz ensembles, collegiate bands, and professional community groups with strong section players. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: The arrangement transforms Leonard Bernstein's iconic 1957 Broadway tune from *West Side Story* into a swinging, mid-tempo jazz standard in the classic big band tradition. Q: What makes Johnny Warrington's arrangement unique? A: Warrington cleverly adapts the asymmetrical phrasing of the original theater tune into a swinging big band idiom, utilizing tight saxophone solis, colorful muted brass writing, and sophisticated reharmonizations. Q: What is the recommended tempo and performance duration for this chart? A: The arrangement is performed at a comfortable, swinging medium tempo (around quarter note = 120-126 BPM), resulting in a performance duration of approximately 3 to 4 minutes.