Well, You Could Always Ask (VJCP520-FBB)
comp. by Russell Schmidt
arr. by Jueun Seok
$40.00 (USD)
 
This product is available for download (in .pdf format) immediately after purchase. Please note that once payment for any VJC Publication download is received and the transaction completed, no refund or cancellation is possible.
 
VJCP520-FBB – Flexible Instrumentation Jazz Ensemble Chart, which has been written to sound complete with as few as 11 pieces or as many as a full (18-piece) big band. The instrumentation is as follows:
 
Alto Sax I, Alto Sax II, Tenor Sax I, Tenor Sax II (opt.), Baritone Sax (opt.)
Trumpet I, Trumpet II, Trumpet III, Trumpet IV (opt.)
Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III (opt.), Bass Trombone (IV) (opt.)
Guitar (opt.), Piano, Bass, Drums, Vibraphone (opt.)
 
Description: Well, You Could Always Ask has been expertly arranged for high school- and college-age big bands by Jueun Seok. This medium-up tempo swing chart is based on a ‘Rhythm changes’ con­trafact originally composed by Russell Schmidt.
 
After an introduction and the Head In, Seok features piano, tenor sax, bass, and drums as soloists, with the latter two trading 8’s. (The chart is easy to open up for other soloists if desired by the ensemble director.) After the Head Out, a clever codetta, recalling elements from the introduc­tion, brings the chart to an exciting conclusion.
 
One of the best aspects of this arrangement is how wonderfully convincing it sounds with the minimum number of performers (11). And yet, of course, it works even better with the full complement of 17-18 players. The effectiveness of this “flex.” chart reveals the great craft possessed by this outstanding, creative young writer, Jueun Seok.
 
This big band arrangement is of intermediate-to-advanced difficulty.
 
While an excerpted audio sample is provided here at the VJC Store, complete recordings of many VJC Publications (including this one) can be found on the VJC YouTube page.
 
Please note: The VJC will never pursue payment of synchroni­zation rights from middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, all-state ensembles, church groups, or independent edu­cational programs for young people related to the posting of recorded performan­ces of this work on YouTube or other, similar sites (including social media platforms). While sharing the .pdf files is not permitted, sharing your musical performance online is.
 
All proceeds from sales of VJC Publications go directly to fund the educational programs of the Valley Jazz Cooperative.