(Level III) Medium tempo, swinging blues in C with a bridge after intro (which includes trumpets crowing, then "clucking" with plunger mutes), catchy riff-like melody is stated in saxes, with written piano (could be ad-lib answers for more experienced players), then brass responses--leading to a center solo section. Changes are printed in tenor 1, trombone 2, and trumpet 2, with cued notes in each part to be played if not soloing. Driving thematic tutti writing provides a good opportunity to develop swing ensemble playing. A subsequent breakdown section provides another solo opportunity (changes provided in trumpet 2 and piano, with "clucking" and "fluttering" brass and sax background figures respectively), into a solo drum break and building to a big finish. Designed to knock the barn doors down among poultry frivolity. Sample piano comp voicing in the solo section and a written bass line throughout make this piece suitable for high school and college bands with less experienced rhythm sections as well as more advanced groups wanting a fun piece that swings hard. 8 Brass
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BRUCE WERMUTH holds a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music. While there, he won downbeat Magazine's 1982 "Best Jazz Arrangement" Award for his big band arrangement of My Favorite Things, and the 1981 NAJE Composition Contest for his big band piece, In A Reverie, both available through UNC Jazz Press. Today, he brings his unique diversity of talents to the music industry, performing and producing music in a variety of capacities including composer, arranger, songwriter, studio and live performance vocalist, conductor, trumpet player and clinician for high schools and college groups around the country. In addition to his jazz works, Mr. Wermuth currently writes and produces both instrumental and vocal music for the corporate, commercial/brodcast, live stage and print publication industries. Numerous corporate clients include IBM, Chevrolet, Coca Cola and MCA. Broadcast clients include KZLA in Los Angeles, WFAN Sports Radio in New York and BBC Radio 2. His song, Downtown, recorded by Lillo Thomas on Capital Records, reached No. 11 in Billboard Magazine's Urban Contemporary Hot 100 in 1987. He has worked with and written music for a variety of notable artists including The Dixie Chicks, Ronnie Milsap, The Smothers Brothers, Sandi Patty, Gary Morris and mime artists, Shields and Yarnell. As an educator, Mr. Wermuth served on the adjunct faculty as an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Memphis from 1983 to 1985. There he served as Director of the University of Memphis Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Applied Jazz Vocal Instructor. He taught various courses in instrumental and vocal jazz studies and commercial music production. He continues to be in demand today as a lecturer and clinician for college groups including the University of North Texas Summer Sessions Program in Denton, Texas.
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