Sittin' In with the Big Band, Volume I: Trumpet Book & Online Audio

Energetic and welcoming. You hear a real band kick in behind you on every tune, from the swinging groove of 'Swingin' Shanty' to the straight-ahead Latin pocket of 'Fiesta Latina,' making every run-through feel like an actual gig. The demo tracks show you how the music should breathe and swing, then the play-along version gives you room to find your place in the sound.

Trumpet players in grades 2 and up who are ready to move beyond single-part method books and taste what it feels like to play jazz in context. This book serves students learning improvisation for the first time as well as those developing stronger ensemble listening skills. It's ideal for players in school jazz ensembles who want extra practice material, or for private students exploring jazz on their own.

• Listen carefully to the lead trumpet voice during the demo tracks before you play your own part; use those sonic details as your target for blend and tone production.
• Work the improvisation opportunities at a slow tempo first, using the play-along recording to build confidence with the harmonic changes before moving to performance speed.
• Pay attention to how the rhythm section locks in on each track, especially the hi-hat and kick drum; match their precision with your articulation to sit solid in the ensemble pocket.
• Record yourself playing along and listen back to check your intonation against the piano and bass; jazz ensembles expose tuning issues quickly.

Assign specific charts as supplementary material alongside your jazz ensemble's rehearsal schedule; students can work independently on pieces they're learning in ensemble, building confidence before section or full-band rehearsals. Use the improvisation opportunities as scaffolding for beginning soloists, or rotate through different charts throughout the year to expose your section to various styles and ranges. The ballad and Latin tunes work especially well as solo/small group material for jazz combos or recital programs.

• Jazz articulation and swing style in multiple contexts (swing, Latin, ballad, rock)
• Listening to ensemble blend while maintaining individual tone quality
• Improvisation over jazz chord progressions with harmonic grounding
• Phrasing and dynamics in ensemble settings
• Rhythmic precision and pocket playing with professional-level rhythm section
• Reading and executing jazz notational conventions (rhythmic feel indicators, articulation marks)