Exciting Sounds of the Big Band Era: 4th Trombone Book

Stepping into the smooth machinery of swing era big band arranging. These parts ride the pocket of the rhythm section, providing harmonic scaffolding and rhythmic bounce without demanding pyrotechnics. The result feels like belonging to something larger and carefully crafted.

Intermediate to developing trombonists ready to play in a jazz ensemble setting but not yet confident with lead or solo work. This book suits high school jazz bands and college ensembles looking to build depth in the trombone section while maintaining authenticity to the original big band sound.

• Listen closely to the bass trombone (5th) and tenor parts to lock into the harmonic foundation; your part often bridges the lower and upper voices, so strong intonation here anchors the section.
• Watch the lead trombone for attacks and cutoffs in faster passages like 'In the Mood' and 'Pennsylvania 6-5000' where ensemble precision matters more than individual voice independence.
• When the part sits in a lower register, focus on tone clarity rather than volume; the big band sound depends on blending, not overpowering the section.
• Lean into the swing feel on blues charts like 'Blues on Parade' by slightly laying back the eighth notes and letting the section's rhythm section anchor your phrasing.

Feature this collection in jazz concerts where you want a full-bodied trombone section without requiring every trombonist to be a first-chair player. Mix selections from this book with charts at higher difficulty levels to accommodate multiple skill levels within a single rehearsal while keeping the ensemble balanced and sounding professional.

• Reading jazz articulations (tonguing, ghosting, swing feel notation)
• Blending within a trombone section and supporting harmonic voices
• Playing with the rhythm section in jazz ensemble contexts
• Managing lower register intonation in a section setting
• Understanding big band arranging conventions and section voice leading