Short Big Band Piece

This is the beginning of a piece for a big band.

I'm not really sure about how to write for big band and I don't play any brass or sax, so I'm sure there are numerous errors in the score. I'm not quite sure how to write the chromatic runs for saxophone/trumpet. If anyone can clear any of this up I would be grateful.

Any other suggestions/comments are welcome

Cheers,

Austin

Short Big Band Piece.sib

Short Big Band Piece.mid

Short Big Band Piece.pdf

It's actually not too bad. A fun blues-shuffle romp....

As for writing the chromatic lines, what you have works. I tend to favor sharps for saxes, and flats for brass...but whatever.

Also, in a concert-pitch score, it'd be easier to write the bari sax in bass clef...even the tenor saxes too.

The only thing I felt weird about was the form.... The "A" section (after the little intro) is 8 measures...fine, but that's including (what feels to me, like) a two-measure send-off pickup thing. Making your actual A-Melody phrase 6 measures long....which is a bit weird. It can be pulled off with the right setup, but what you have here feels a little ragged. I'm meaning specifically the transition from "send-off" and "tune".

I can't really dig into it right now, but other than that you have a fun chart...are you going to finish it?

Also, do you listen to much jazz? Who do you like?

Hey Robin, thanks for the feedback

I will fix up that bit with the pick up at the start, It will probably work better with an extra two bars, as you said.

I think i will finish it, it will hopefully run more smoothly when its extended. I'll let you know when its complete.

I don't listen to a lot of jazz, mostly the classic duke ellington big band type stuff, but I'd like to get into it more, if you've got any recommendations for good listening. I liked your music on your website.

Great fun... and don't take this in the wrong way.. this short piece would make a fantastic ring tone. Optimistic!