Drop Somethin' (Jazz Band Gr. 2)

This beginner blues rock chart introduces students to the blues progression in a straight-eighth setting. Instruments featured are saxes, trumpets, and drums. Repeated material and unison lines make this a recipe for a successful performance by young players. Optional written solos and chord symbols for players preferring to improvise.

Genre: Jazz Ensemble | # of Players: Standard
Level: 2 | Duration: 3:15

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)
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Trombone 4 (optional)
Tuba (optional)

Vibes (optional)
Guitar
Piano
Electric Bass
Drum Set

Program Notes
Drop Somethin’ is a blues rock chart based on a tune sung by Debbie’s toddler son many years ago as he was cleaning up his toys. The first four measures of the main melody are transcribed exactly from what he sang: “If you wanna drop somethin’ you should clean it by yourself. Do it! You can do it!” The chart introduces beginner jazz players to the standard blues progression in a straight-eighth setting, with the melody first presented as a call-and-response between the saxes and the trumpets. The drums are featured with sticks on the rim during the first statement of the melody. Written solos are provided for alto sax and trumpet, with chord symbols included for students learning or preferring to improvise.