I Want To Be Happy (B.Mintzer)

Elevate your ensemble's repertoire with this dynamic big band arrangement of Vincent Youmans' enduring jazz standard, "I Want To Be Happy," expertly crafted by B. Mintzer. This advanced-level arrangement, spanning 79 pages, captures the timeless energy of the original while infusing it with Mintzer's signature contemporary jazz voicings and rhythmic sophistication. Designed for professional and advanced collegiate big bands, this piece is ideal for concert performances, jazz festivals, and educational showcases where a high-level display of ensemble precision and improvisational skill is desired. The arrangement features a driving, up-tempo swing feel, characterized by intricate horn soli passages, powerful brass fanfares, and a rhythm section that provides a robust and propulsive foundation. Mintzer's arrangement of "I Want To Be Happy" showcases a meticulous balance between ensemble power and individual expression. It includes well-structured solo sections, offering ample opportunity for improvisation over the familiar harmonic changes, typically for tenor saxophone and trumpet, though specific solo instruments are determined by the arrangement's score.