beard swagger. (2016)

for large jazz ensemble (5-4-4-4)
commissioned and premiered by NYC iSchool

length: approx. 8 minutes
difficulty: high school

Notes:
Features an aleatoric section in the middle designed to be unfamiliar but accessible, allowing the student ensemble to develop its own unique, concentrated approach through rehearsal. Some counter-intuitive rhythmic material and a consistent stress on beat 4 (at the expense of beat 1) create the challenge of the piece much more than the technical demands for any one instrument.

soloists:
alto 1 or tenor 3
trumpet 2

instrumentation:
alto 1
alto 2
tenor 3
tenor 4
baritone 5

trumpet 1 (to written Bb5)
trumpet 2
trumpet 3
trumpet 4

trombone 1 (to Ab4)
trombone 2
trombone 3
trombone 4 (tenor)

electric guitar
piano
electric bass
drum set

* implicit in this purchase is the authorization to perform and record. Also implicit is the exclusivity of this authorization. No sharing, please - this is my livelihood.