Bottom Feeder Blues (Jazz Ens Gr. 2)

This up-tempo blues-rock chart with a catchy tune introduces students to the blues harmonic progression in a straight-eighth-note setting. Three solo sections include both optional written solos and chord symbols for students who are ready to improvise. A sax soli with tight harmonies highlights the sax section, followed by a call-and-answer exchange between the brass and the saxes.

Genre: Jazz Ensemble | # of Players: Standard
Level: 2 | Duration: 3:50

Instrumentation
Flute (optional)
Alto Saxophone 1 (double with Clarinet 1)
Alto Saxophone 2 (double with Clarinet 2)
Tenor Saxophone 1
Tenor Saxophone 2
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
Trumpet 3
Trumpet 4 (optional)
Trombone 1 (double with F Horn 1)
Trombone 2 (double with F Horn 2)
Trombone 3
Trombone 4 (optional)
Tuba (optional)

Vibes (optional)
Guitar
Piano
Electric Bass
Drum Set

Program Notes
Bottom Feeder Blues was originally composed as the theme song for a seven-piece student band called the Bottom Feeders, a group of sixth- and fourth-grade friends (including three sets of siblings) who wanted to keep playing their instruments together through the summer break. The Bottom Feeders earned their name because they practice in the basement and seem to be in constant need of snacks. While the band continues to perform the original version of the theme to open their annual shows, this chart expands the tune in form and instrumentation for use in an educational setting. Snacks not included.