Authentic Sounds of the Big Band Era: 3rd Trumpet Book

Swing and bounce defined. These arrangements capture the joy and rhythmic drive of the classic big band era, from the clever stop-time figures in 'One O'Clock Jump' to the warm, rolling groove of 'Moonlight Serenade.' Playing third trumpet in this repertoire puts you inside the engine of the ensemble, supporting the harmonic movement and driving the rhythm section forward.

Third trumpet players in jazz ensembles, from high school through community bands, who need essential big band repertoire that's written at an appropriate register and range. Bands rebuilding or expanding their jazz library will find these 16 standards immediately usable and educational.

• Keep your tone warm and centered; the third trumpet anchors the chord voicing and needs clarity without piercing through the section.
• Lock in rhythmically with the second trumpet on tutti figures, especially in the swing pieces where ensemble precision shapes the feel.
• Use the rhythm section as your reference point. These arrangements rely on pocket playing and sympathetic listening to bass and drums.
• Balance volume in tightly voiced passages. The third chair supports rather than leads, so adjust dynamics based on what the first and second are doing.

Build a full concert around these standards as a single program, or distribute them throughout the year as crowd-pleasing openers and closers that develop players' jazz foundations. Several of these pieces work well in pops programs or community performances where big band repertoire is always welcome.

• Reading and executing swing rhythms and shuffle articulations
• Playing third part harmony within close brass voicings
• Balancing tone in ensemble contexts with varied dynamics and phrase shapes
• Understanding big band form, comping figures, and section interplay
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing across multiple styles (straight swing, blues, ballad)