The most straightforward and most often overlooked way of arranging for big band is by using unisons and octaves. Sometimes, having a few players back up a single line is the way to go.
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The soli is the heart of the big band arrangement. It would be rare to find a chart without one. Learning how to write a soli is a must for any big band arranger.
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We’ve looked at how to score a melody and write a soli. But how do we score thick, lush background chords and textures for big band?
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A shout chorus is traditionally the pinnacle of the big band chart and uses all the techniques covered so far. Let’s look at a step-by-step method for writing a shout chorus.
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Improvised solos are a vital part of not only big band charts, but jazz as a whole. You could argue it defines the entire style. Let’s look at how to arrange effective improvised solo sections.
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