Chop-Monster, Book 2: Trumpet 2 Book & 2 CDs

Chop-Monster Book 2 builds on the proven call-and-response methodology without overwhelming students who are still consolidating fundamentals. The focus on ii-V-I progressions across three keys gives students essential harmonic vocabulary that transfers directly to real jazz repertoire and jam sessions. Included CDs mean you're not doing all the heavy lifting as a clinician; Berg's recorded voice guides students through imitation and independent practice both in and out of rehearsal.

Structured but never stiff. Each recorded example models authentic jazz phrasing and swing feel, making imitation feel like learning from a bandmate rather than a textbook. The progression through keys builds confidence as familiar patterns shift to new tonalities.

Trumpet 2 players in high school jazz ensembles or college jazz labs who have worked through Book 1 and are ready to tackle functional harmony in multiple keys. These students understand basic improvisation but need systematic exposure to the ii-V-I, the most common progression in jazz standards.

• Listen to each recorded phrase multiple times before attempting to play along. Let the melody and rhythmic feel settle in your ear first.
• Sing the recorded lick back to yourself vocally before picking up the horn. Your voice learns faster than your fingers sometimes.
• Practice each key independently before moving to the next one. Spend several days on concert B-flat before tackling E-flat and F.
• Record yourself playing the response section and compare it to the recorded example. Spot differences in timing, articulation, and note placement that you can fix in the next take.

Assign sections of Book 2 as weekly homework that feeds directly into your ensemble's improvisation curriculum or jazz combo coaching. Students can work through one key per week during their practice time and bring their progress to the next ensemble rehearsal where you can spotlight breakthrough moments or troubleshoot rhythmic issues together.

• ii-V-I chord progression recognition and melodic response in three keys (concert B-flat, E-flat, F)
• Transcription of jazz vocabulary through ear-based imitation
• Swing articulation and phrasing in a jazz idiom
• Transposition fluency across common trumpet keys
• Call-and-response improvisation technique with recorded accompaniment