Jonah Patel
A big band is a group of musicians that play jazz or jazz-influenced popular music. The number of musicians in a big band can vary, but it typically consists of approximately 10 to 25 musicians, with some sources stating a range of 12 to 30 players. The band is divided into four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section that includes instruments like the guitar, piano, bass, and drums. The term big band also refers to a genre of music that was at its peak from the 1930s to the mid-1940s, also known as the swing era.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ensemble | Jazz orchestra |
| Number of musicians | 10-25 |
| Sections | 4 |
| First section | Saxophones |
| Second section | Trumpets |
| Third section | Trombones |
| Fourth section | Rhythm (guitar, piano, double bass, drums, sometimes vibraphone) |
| Roles | Bandleader, instrumental soloist, 1st Trumpet (leader of the horn section), 2nd Trumpet (solo chair), Lead Alto, Lead Trombone |
| Style | Written compositions and arrangements, no group improvisation |
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What You'll Learn
Big bands usually consist of 10-25 musicians
A big band, or jazz orchestra, is a musical ensemble of jazz music that usually consists of 10 to 25 musicians. The number can vary, but it's typical for a whole band to fall within this range. The band is divided into four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. These sections work together to create complex harmonies and syncopated rhythms that define the unique big band sound.
The term "big band" is also used to describe a genre of music that rose to prominence in the 1930s and dominated jazz in the early 1940s. However, the history of big bands stretches back to the early 1900s, with roots in early jazz music from New Orleans. Over time, the size of bands grew, and they became a dominant force in jazz, influencing the direction of the genre.
The individual roles within a big band are essential to its success. The 1st Trumpet, for example, is the leader of the entire horn section, while the 2nd Trumpet plays the 'jazz book' and supports the 1st Trumpet. The Lead Alto and Lead Trombone are responsible for ensuring their sections match the 1st Trumpet in terms of balance, phrasing, and intonation. These roles require a high level of skill and comfort within their respective instruments.
The size of a big band can range from 12 to 30 musicians, with some sources specifying a range of 10 to 25. This larger ensemble allows for a greater role for bandleaders, arrangers, and sections of instruments, rather than focusing on soloists as was typical in traditional jazz. The contrast between "black" and "white" bands during this era is also notable, with \"white\" bands achieving significantly more commercial success in terms of top ten records and number-one hits.
In summary, the term "big band" refers to both a style of music and a larger ensemble of musicians playing jazz or jazz-influenced popular music. These bands typically consist of 10 to 25 musicians, with specific roles and sections working together to create a unique sound that left an enduring mark on the history of jazz.
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There are four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm
A big band is a jazz orchestra that usually consists of ten or more musicians, divided into four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. The rhythm section typically includes a guitar, piano, double bass, drums, and sometimes a vibraphone. The number of musicians in each section can vary, but a complete band typically consists of 10 to 25 musicians.
The trumpets, as the leaders of the horn section, play a crucial role in a big band. The 1st Trumpet is responsible for leading the entire horn section, while the 2nd Trumpet, also known as the "jazz book," supports the 1st Trumpet and plays a crucial role in phrasing and articulation. The 2nd Trumpet player's proximity to the rhythm section also adds to the importance of this role.
The trombone section is another vital part of a big band. The 1st Trombone, also known as the Lead Trombone, is responsible for matching the 1st Trumpet in terms of balance, phrasing, and intonation. The trombone section works closely with the trumpet section to create a cohesive sound.
The saxophone section, often referred to as the "horns," is an essential part of the big band sound. While the specific number of saxophones can vary, they typically range from five to seven players. The 1st Alto saxophone is considered a Lead player and is responsible for matching the 1st Trumpet in terms of balance and phrasing.
The rhythm section, also known as the "engine room" of the big band, provides the foundation for the entire ensemble. It includes instruments like the guitar, piano, double bass, drums, and sometimes a vibraphone. The rhythm section works closely with the horn section to create a dynamic and swinging sound that defines the big band era.
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The rhythm section includes guitar, piano, bass, and drums
A big band is a type of musical ensemble of jazz music that usually consists of ten or more musicians with four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. The rhythm section is comprised of guitar, piano, bass, and drums.
The rhythm section is an essential part of the big band sound. It provides a rock or pop feel and sounds that would be difficult to recreate with orchestral instruments. The piano, bass, and drums are all vital components of the big band sound. The piano is a percussion instrument and is capable of most articulations that the horns are. The pianist in a big band will not use the sustain pedal. The guitarist, bassist, and pianist are all chordal instrument players.
The drummer will play 'time', meaning they play a beat or groove that fits the style and context. In a fast swing chart, if a bass player gets slashes, they will automatically walk. Rhythm notation involves slashes with stems, which tell the player to play a specific rhythm and nothing else. This is found in all rhythm parts and in parts for guitar, piano, and bass, which come with a chord symbol.
The guitar is sometimes omitted from the big band lineup, and percussion may be added. In the 1940s, smaller configurations of the big band emerged in the form of the "rhythm sextet", which typically featured three or more accordions accompanied by piano, guitar, bass, cello, percussion, and marimba with vibes.
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The number of musicians in each section can vary
A big band is a jazz orchestra that usually consists of four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. The number of musicians in each section can vary, but a standard big band typically consists of 10 to 25 musicians.
The first trumpet is the leader of the entire horn section, and the lead alto and lead trombone are responsible for their sections matching the lead trumpet in terms of balance, phrasing, and intonation. These lead players are also expected to play improvised solos. The 2nd trumpet, or the 'jazz book', supports the lead trumpet and is seated closest to the rhythm section.
The rhythm section typically includes a guitar, piano, double bass, drums, and sometimes a vibraphone. Some variations include removing the guitarist, adding a percussionist, or adding a 5th trumpet.
The size of a big band can range from 12 to 30 players, with some sources specifying a range of 12 to 25. While the number of musicians in each section can vary, it is important that each player is strong and comfortable within their roles to maintain the tight-knit group dynamic that defines a big band.
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A big band is a jazz orchestra
The big band era, also known as the swing era, was at its peak from the 1930s to the mid-1940s, though its history stretches back to the early 1900s. Big bands originated in the early 1910s and rose to prominence in the early 1930s, dominating jazz in the early 1940s. They started as accompaniment for dancing the Lindy Hop and were influenced by early jazz music from New Orleans, inspired by ragtime and blues. Other early jazz capitals included Chicago and Kansas City.
Unlike traditional jazz, big bands rely on written compositions and arrangements rather than improvisation. They give a greater role to bandleaders, arrangers, and sections of instruments rather than soloists. However, individual singers and musicians often improvised melodic solos over the band, and bandleaders would typically notate these parts and include them in the composition. The music is known for its complex harmonies and syncopated rhythms, and vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra brought a new element to the jazz orchestra sound.
Many of the most popular big bands reflected the individuality of their bandleaders, with Count Basie playing a relaxed, propulsive swing, Bob Crosby a dixieland style, Benny Goodman a hard-driving swing, and Duke Ellington's compositions being varied and sophisticated. Some bands featured strong instrumentalists, such as the clarinets of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, the trombone of Jack Teagarden, the trumpet of Harry James, and the drums of Buddy Rich.
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Frequently asked questions
A big band typically consists of 10 to 25 musicians, with four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section.
The 1st Trumpet is the leader of the entire horn section. The 2nd Trumpet, also known as the "jazz book", supports the 1st Trumpet and plays non-triadic harmonies. The Lead Alto and Lead Trombone are responsible for their sections, matching the 1st Trumpet in terms of balance, phrasing, and intonation.
While the term "orchestra" is vague, "big band" is more specific in terms of the instruments and number of players. A big band is a type of musical ensemble that usually consists of ten or more musicians, whereas an orchestra can refer to a group of any size.
