Rhapsody on Cue: Score
By Ryan Fraley
Grade: 3-4
Item: 98-DHX9007S
$8.00
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Description
Here's an ebullient and flashy solo feature for clarinet and big band. The ensemble swings brightly with intricate but accessible orchestrations while the bouncy solo shines with riffs and glissandi. A transcription of the improvised portion of the solo is provided. The top trumpet note is A. This is serious literature for any clarinetist to consider!
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Additional Details
Series:
HXmusic
Publisher:
HXmusic
SKU:
98-DHX9007S
More about this title
Why we love this
Ryan Fraley writes big band writing that actually swings without sacrificing clarity or playability. The orchestration sits beautifully for a Grade 3-4 ensemble, which means your section players can breathe and lock in while the clarinet soloist gets genuine spotlight. Most importantly, this feels like a real jazz feature, not a school-piece pretending to be one.
What to expect
Bright, exuberant, and propulsive. The band charges forward with intricate unison lines and section punches while the clarinet weaves through with sassy riffs and playful glissandi that feel both composed and improvised. It's music that makes audiences sit forward.
Who it's for
Advanced high school jazz ensembles and college big bands looking for a clarinet vehicle that holds real musical weight. Soloists who want serious literature beyond typical lead alto features will find genuine challenges and showcase moments here.
How to get the most out of it
- Build the solo's energy progressively through the riffs and glissandi rather than playing everything at maximum intensity from the top; let the phrases breathe and build naturally into the climax.
- Balance the ensemble articulation so the clarinet cuts through without the band rushing the swing feel; precision in the background actually showcases the soloist more effectively.
- Reference the provided transcription as your baseline, but encourage the clarinet player to shape phrases and add personal inflection within the written framework; this builds ownership and creates genuine performance variation.
How to use it
Reserve this for a jazz festival or concert where you can feature a strong soloist at mid-program; the flashiness and accessibility make it a crowd-pleaser that also impresses adjudicators. It pairs well on concert programs with other Grade 3-4 big band titles, giving your ensemble variety without sacrificing cohesion.
Skills your students will build
- swing articulation and phrasing in ensemble context
- reading intricate but manageable big band voicings
- supporting and balancing around a featured soloist
- executing rapid clarinet glissandi with control
- shaping improvised-sounding passages within composed framework