Swing

Performance Notes

 SWING is a mid-tempo piece, featuring a classic swing beat.  This piece is best suited for intermediate- to high school level ensembles.  Rhythmically, SWING consists of ¼, ½ and whole rests, ¼ notes, 1/8^th notes (groups of 2 and 4) and rests and 1/8th triplets.  Brushes are seldom used in percussion ensembles; therefore, this is the perfect piece for their extended use.

 The introduction is the familiar doorbell chime which is also featured in the intro to Miles Davis’ cover of “If I Were A Bell.”  Letter A starts the building of a classic jazz drumset beat, divided amongst the ensemble.  At letter B, the entrance of the “swishy” brush pattern on the snare drum, the hi-hat ‘chick’, then the sticks clicking at letter C, serve as very familiar and crucial elements of the beat pattern.  The cowbell’s entrance at D adds to the feel.  A low-pitched cowbell is necessary so as to not be sonically offensive to what is happening amongst the ensemble.  The entrance of the ride cymbal at E serves to enhance the feel as well.  The pattern remains steady so the swing feel can be emitted to the audience.  The feel and the solo section are 2 essential elements of this piece.  Letter F starts the solos section, which are inextricably tied to jazz music.  All solos are written out for consistency and ease of playing.  Letter I starts a ‘drum-heavy’, Gene Krupa-like drum pattern, followed by unison rhythms, then a 2-bar vocalization.  Letter J is the outro, similar to letter A.  The 2 ¼ notes played by the triangle in the last measure serve to assist the counting of the ½ rest before they end in a whispering of “yeah,” where they drop in pitch as they say the word—classic jazz vocals!

 TIPS:  Any solo section, F – I, may be repeated for open improvisation for more advanced students.  The accompanying “Solo Ideas” sheet can be useful for open improvisation or mixed around and/or re-assigned amongst the players