The General Method: Book

This book cuts through the guesswork that plagues Big Band rehearsals. Holmquist's 350-term vocabulary and universal rules for accents, timing, and dynamics mean your section leaders and soloists are all speaking the same language, eliminating the endless re-explanation that eats up rehearsal time. The depth on rhythm section responsibilities alone makes this invaluable for any director working with intermediate or advanced players.

Reading this feels like having a mentor in the room. Holmquist addresses real scenarios: the sub who doesn't know the book, the personality conflicts that derail section work, the logistics of travel and recording. The tone is pragmatic but never cynical.

Big Band directors at the intermediate and advanced levels will find this essential. Players who want to understand the underlying principles of tight ensemble playing, rather than just following orders, will return to this book repeatedly.

• Establish your band's accent and timing conventions before the season starts. Holmquist's systematic definitions give you a foundation to reference instantly rather than negotiating them chart by chart.
• Use the instrument-by-instrument breakdown of rhythm section roles to help each player understand exactly what the piano, bass, drums, and guitar need from them individually and collectively.
• Address technical problems methodically. Holmquist's section on overcoming instrumental issues provides concrete strategies rather than assuming the problem lies solely with the player's practice habits.
• Build flexibility into your personnel choices based on Holmquist's guidance on blending different voice types and covering for absent musicians. This preparation prevents scrambling when subs are needed.

Work through key sections of this book during sectionals early in the season. Use it as a reference guide when you're setting up a recording session or prepping your band for a festival. Directors can assign specific chapters to section leaders and soloists to deepen their understanding of ensemble responsibilities.

• Understanding unified ensemble language for articulation, dynamics, and phrasing across all charts
• Individual rhythm section awareness: recognizing the specific role of piano, bass, drums, and guitar within the ensemble
• Reading and responding to lead player intentions and section balance cues
• Technical problem-solving for common instrumental issues in a Big Band context
• Ensemble cohesion through shared knowledge of timing and accent conventions