Learning Band Arrangements

[fred12]

I've been playing for maybe 1 1/2 years, (previously played clarined itn high school) and would like to join a local dance band BUT the arrangements drive me crazy - 3 1/2 measure rest, then a quick run, then wait, then a long tone, etc. etc. I can play melodies fine, I count moderately well, but get lost with 2nd or 3rd horn parts. I've called Music Minus 1 to see if they have anything helpful but all their stuff is lead (melody) which doesn't address the problem. Does anybody know how to learn to play band parts by yourself? Can't join a band unless I can play, but can't learn without joining a band. What a dilemma. Help!

[groovesax]

It sounds like you have the charts. I would get any and all of the recordings of these arrangements and play along with them. You'll see how your part fits in and become a better reader in the process. Good luck!

[Gandalfe]

Fred, a good instructor could work you through this initiation phase relatively quickly. Or, you could get a play buddy to help you out.

The late bloomers in the sax section of the band that I play with come to me everytime a new song is added to the play list to get a feel for the music. I usually can find a cut of the music done by the pros and that help them too.

I also encourage them to join the local community band, even if they just wanna play jazz. It helps them with their sight reading because the music is normally easier (usually much easier) than the jazz stuff. But they can work on their counting, sight reading, and ensemble skills.

[jazzbluescat]

Fred, it sounds like you just need to learn to count. Get a chart and just count it out in a steady tempo(start slow, then gradually up to speed). While you're counting think of the melody/lead and where your part fits . Feel eight-bar phrases and how the notes and rests fit into a phrase. Learn to count(musically) and it'll all fall into place.

[gary]

...and clap the downbeats/tempo and say to yourself the pauses and rhythms out loud and with a metronome.

I.e. with sixteenth-note pick ups off of the third downbeat, preceeded by two-quarter-notes and a sixteenth-note rests:

rest.......rest.....16th rest..sixteenth notes.....(beat four)
"One & -Two & -Three.......da..-..da..-..da...- da-da-da-da"

[fred12]

Wow! Didn't expect answers so soon, or so helpful. Thank you all for your interest and your help. I'll take your advice. See you on TV.