I Will Always Love You (C.Strommen)

C. Strommen's big band arrangement of Dolly Parton's iconic "I Will Always Love You" transforms this beloved jazz standard into a sophisticated and emotionally resonant piece for a full 17-piece jazz ensemble. Scored for Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums, this medium-difficulty chart offers a powerful and expressive showcase. Strommen's arrangement maintains a ballad-like tempo feel, allowing for rich harmonic exploration and lyrical phrasing. The harmonic style is characterized by lush voicings and contemporary jazz inflections, providing a fresh perspective on the original melody. Rhythmic patterns are generally flowing and supportive, emphasizing the melodic contours rather than complex syncopation, making it accessible yet engaging. This arrangement is ideally suited for a variety of performance contexts, from professional jazz festivals and concert hall performances to advanced high school or collegiate big band showcases.