A Salute to Benny Goodman: Drums

Jeff Hest's arrangement distills what made Goodman's orchestra special without overwhelming a secondary-level ensemble. The medley approach lets students experience multiple swing-era standards in one rehearsal cycle, building familiarity with the vocabulary and style that defined an era. Performing this teaches your students what good swing articulation, section balance, and groove actually sound like rather than just telling them.

Infectious, celebratory swing that swings hard while remaining musically elegant. The medley format creates momentum and variety, moving through classic Goodman themes with the infectious energy that filled dance halls and concert halls from the 1930s onward.

Directors of Grade 4 jazz ensembles ready to program substantive big band literature with historical weight and audience appeal. This works equally well for advanced high school groups and college ensembles looking to anchor a concert in the swing canon.

• Lock the rhythm section (drums, bass, piano) into a steady swing pulse before layering horns; Goodman's arrangements demand tight synchronization between rhythm and front line.
• Shade the dynamics within phrases rather than playing at one level; these melodies breathe and swing harder when there's internal contour.
• Balance the saxophone section carefully against trumpets and trombones so the writing remains clear; Goodman loved a lean, articulate sound.
• Pay attention to the recorded accompaniment's tempo and feel as a reference point; hearing authentic swing phrasing makes the style immediately accessible to your players.

Schedule this as the centerpiece of a jazz concert or as part of a broader big band programming approach. Its 6:20 duration and high entertainment value make it an excellent choice for pops concerts, community events, or any program where you want to demonstrate what your jazz ensemble can accomplish.

• Swing articulation and phrasing in ensemble context
• Reading and executing dynamic contour within jazz lines
• Section balance and blend across saxophone, trumpet, and trombone sections
• Ensemble synchronization with rhythm section (understanding groove rather than just tempo)
• Historical listening skills and familiarity with swing era repertoire and style