Exciting Sounds of the Big Band Era: 3rd Trombone Book

Relaxed swing and blues grooves anchor every tune here, with moments of energetic shuffle alternating with ballads that ask for warmth and space. You'll feel the pleasure of locking in with your section while also claiming passages that stand out from the ensemble texture.

Intermediate jazz ensemble trombonists ready to read beyond basic parts and engage actively with the harmonic and rhythmic language of swing and blues. This book works for high school and community jazz programs building a solid standard repertoire.

• Lock your tone and articulation with the second trombone during the frequent harmonic passages; the two of you form the harmonic foundation that allows the first trombone to carry the melody.
• Listen carefully for the lead voice's phrasing and mirror its approach to note attacks and releases, especially in ballads like At Last and Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me.
• Give full attention to the rhythm section during ensemble figures; your entrance points and releases often anchor transitions between sections.
• Balance dynamic control across the full range of these arrangements; many pieces move between solo moments in your register and blend-heavy sections where you support the ensemble sound.

Use this collection as your primary repertoire for a second-year or intermediate jazz ensemble unit. The fifteen tunes offer enough material for a full concert or festival set, and the mix of tempos and styles teaches trombonists to navigate swing feel, blues changes, and ballad playing in one cohesive package.

• Reading swing and blues rhythm in jazz ensemble context
• Harmonic support and voice-leading as a middle brass voice
• Articulation consistency across multiple jazz idioms
• Listening and blending within a three-part trombone section
• Balancing solo presence with ensemble texture
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing from written notation