Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Bill Finegan played a key role in shaping the classic sound of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and his arrangement of the Gershwin Brothers' Strike Up the Band is a wonderful example of his skills as a writer. Even at the chart's brisk pace, the performance naturally glides along with an easy, effortless feel.

Following a brisk, marching band-style introduction, the first melody statement occurs, seeing the melody passed back and forth between the horn sections. A similar sense of phrasing and feel across sections is important for maintaining musical continuity during this part. Another militaristic interlude occurs at measure 41 that sets up a key change. The ensemble establishes a simple riff at measure 49 that serves as the main underpinning of the next melody statement a few measures later.

The second half of the second chorus is dedicated to a tenor sax and trumpet solo before the marching band feel returns for an extended set-up for another key change. This time, the band starts off largely in unison before splitting off a few measures later. The bridge is extended, featuring a rhythmically disjointed series of hits underneath a soaring trumpet section. The band continues riffing for several more bars before one last bugle-like fanfare from the trumpets atop some final pulses from the rhythm section.

This publication was prepared from Bill Finegan's pencil score and the set of parts from the Glenn Miller Orchestra library.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 1 Doubles Clarinet)
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: Eb6
Trombone 1: C5