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

Berg's sequencing in Book 2 moves students into genuine harmonic complexity without overwhelming them. The ii-V-I progression, heard in three different keys across the included CDs, mirrors how jazz musicians actually encounter these changes in real playing situations. Students internalize the progression through listening before attempting their own solo lines, building confidence and ear training simultaneously.

The call-and-response format creates a musical conversation between student and recorded ensemble. Each phrase settles into your ear before you're asked to own it, creating moments of genuine discovery when your own ideas finally connect to the harmonic changes.

This book serves trombone 2 players in jazz ensembles who have completed Book 1 and are ready to tackle functional jazz harmony. Intermediate high school and college jazz students benefit most, particularly those preparing for small group improvisation or looking to build credible solo skills.

• Listen to each recorded example multiple times before attempting imitation. Let the phrasing, articulation, and rhythmic feel sink in fully.
• Transpose mentally as you work through different keys. Notice how the same melodic shape functions differently over B-flat, E-flat, and F changes.
• Record yourself playing the call-and-response sections and listen back critically. Identify where your phrasing deviates from the model and adjust.
• Practice the progression changes on their own first, away from the melody. Secure your harmonic foundation before layering improvisation on top.

Deploy this book during your jazz ensemble's dedicated improvisation block or as supplemental material for students in small combos. The three-key approach works particularly well mid-year when students have rhythm section experience and are ready to move beyond single-key soloing.

• ii-V-I progression recognition and internalization across B-flat, E-flat, and F concert keys
• Call-and-response imitation technique for melodic phrase absorption
• Improvisation over functional jazz harmony
• Listening and aural transcription skills
• Trombone slide position accuracy in jazz context