A LITTLE BIT OF JAZZ

GENERAL POINTS

  • This piece is designed to be played by Year 7 pupils who have learned only a limited range of notes on their classroom instruments. In order to practise ensemble skills, most of the music is homophonic so that pupils can concentrate on mastering the syncopated rhythms and playing together in time.
  • The quavers should be played with a light swing. Clapping the rhythms of the melody against the steady beat of the drum kit is a good way to start. At this stage teachers may want to split the kit between two pupils – one playing bass and snare (foot,stick etc) and one playing the hi-hat and cymbal. This part can be varied by using brushes for the section beginning at bar 9.
  • The minor key and jazz style will need some explanation. A more authentic sound can be achieved by choosing appropriate voicing on the keyboards.
  • Since most of the interest harmonically is in the piano part, this instrument should be played by the teacher if possible, as it contains all the essential melodic lines and cues.
  • The Bb part is the only one with a chromatic counter melody although this can also be found in the piano part.

WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW

BASS

The notes D,G,A and Eb. Since D and A are open strings bass players can concentrate on good fingering for the note G (3rd fret on E string) and Eb (1st fret on D string). Rehearse with the kit as the bass and snare reinforce the bass rhythm.

TUNED PERCUSSION

The opening phrase should be played with a pair of hammers – the left hand playing the lower A. From bar 9 the player needs to use only the notes from D-top A. Make sure there is no confusion about which A to play.

KEYBOARD

Only the notes D-A are used so the whole piece centres around a five finger exercise. Try to ensure a good hand position before starting and encourage accurate fingering without looking at hands. Appropriate voices for the jazz style should be found such as trumpet, saxophone, clarinet etc.

MELODY

This is the basic level part so the opening phrase uses only three notes and avoids the jumps found in the other parts. From bar 9 the melody is heard in unison so there is plenty of support for this player.