D Jam Blues: Score
By William Owens
Grade: 2.5
Item: 98-DST6332S
$10.00
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Description
Written with optional drum set, this simple swing chart provides a wonderful opportunity for students to explore jazz without a great deal of technical demands. No solos in this one - just straight ahead fun for the entire ensemble!
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Developing Stings
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DST6332S
More about this title
About the Composer: William Owens
William Owens has shaped the young ensemble repertoire through more than three decades of prolific composition. Born in Gary, Indiana, in 1963, he trained at Chicago's VanderCook College of Music and has since written over 300 works for concert band, string orchestra, and small ensemble, many of which appear on festival and contest lists across North America.
Owens brings a director's sensibility to his writing. After 30 years leading a high school band program in Texas, he retired in 2014 with a deep understanding of what students need to play and what ensembles need to perform. His work has earned recognition from ASCAP, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and his alma mater, and he continues to clinch and advocate for accessible, musical writing that serves young musicians.
Why we love this
Owens strips away the intimidation factor from jazz pedagogy. Most young string orchestras either skip jazz entirely or tackle arrangements too complex for the level; this chart lets everyone participate fully in authentic swing grooves without worrying about rapid position shifts, double-stops, or solo passages. The optional drum set keeps the energy high while the strings focus on locking in together.
What to expect
D Jam Blues swings with genuine warmth and lift. The blues changes feel familiar and grounded, while the orchestration keeps things bright and energetic without ever feeling cluttered. It's the musical equivalent of a relaxed session where everyone leaves smiling.
Who it's for
String orchestra directors at the middle school and early high school levels who want to introduce jazz vocabulary without overwhelming young players. This works especially well for ensembles that may be hesitant about jazz or those looking to build confidence in a different genre before tackling more complex charts.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the swing feel loose but locked. The rhythm section's articulation drives the groove; make sure strings listen to that pocket and sit comfortably behind the beat rather than rushing.
- Balance the harmonic sections carefully so no single voice drowns out the ensemble sound. This is about blend, not soloistic playing.
- If you include drums, rehearse the drum part separately first so that player fully owns the swing time before bringing it into full ensemble rehearsals.
- Emphasize that 'simple' does not mean 'lazy.' Straight-ahead swing still demands clarity of articulation and sensitivity to dynamics.
How to use it
Program this as a spring concert closer or a festival opener. Its approachable energy makes it ideal for building audience connection while showcasing your strings' versatility. You might also pair it with a straight classical piece earlier in the same concert to highlight the range of your program.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing swing rhythms and articulation
- Listening to and locking with a rhythm section
- Understanding blues changes and harmonic movement
- Balancing ensemble sound while playing a supporting role
- Playing with stylistic accuracy in a non-classical idiom